This is the time of year where people tend to donate to charities more often.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta Monday offered tips on how to donate safely and avoid charity fraud by taking steps to ensure donations go to legitimate causes during the holiday season.
Bonta's office has primary regulatory oversight of charities and professional fundraisers who solicit on their behalf in California.
"Make sure you're donating to the organization intended," Bonta said. "Some organizations use names deliberately and intentionally that resemble those of well established charities to mislead donors."
Bonta gave the example of an organization his office ordered to cease and desist in 2019. It was called "American Red Cross of California," which is not the American Red Cross people are familiar with.
Bonta said people can donate safely by checking the charity's registration status, giving to trusted organizations, avoiding pressure from telemarketers, being cautious of "look-alike" and fake websites and emails, being wary of social network fundraising, and protecting their personal information.
If you believe that a charity or fundraiser has acted in bad faith, report it immediately at oag.ca.gov/charities/complaints.
For more information on how to protect yourself against charity fraud, visit the AG's donation tips webpage at oag.ca.gov/donations.
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