Attorney General Rob Bonta
In an effort to safeguard California residents and consumers from potential scams during the holiday season, Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a Charity Consumer Alert. As the primary regulator overseeing charities and professional fundraisers in the state, Attorney General Bonta is committed to ensuring that charitable donations reach their intended recipients.
“As food prices continue to soar, making ends meet may be a struggle for some families this holiday season,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. “To all Californians donating their hard-earned money: It’s important to do your research and take steps to avoid falling victim to charity fraud.”
In order to avoid charity fraud, Attorney General Bonta is advising donors to check the registration status of their targeted charity. Charities and professional fundraisers must register with the Registry of Charitable Trusts in the Attorney General’s office.
Before donating, use the Registry Search Tool, at https://rct.doj.ca.gov/Verification/Web/Search.aspx?facility=Y, to confirm the charity’s registration and compliance with financial reporting requirements.
Give only to organizations that you trust. Make sure to research charities’ annual financial reports to understand how donations are allocated. Support charities in your community with a positive impact. Also request written information about a charity’s programs, finances, and nonprofit status. This will help you verify the charity’s name, address, and status before donating.
Don’t be pressured by telemarketers, and if you feel pressured, decline their donation requests. Better still, visit the charity’s official website or contact them directly for information.
Watch out for similar-sounding names, look-alike websites and email addresses, and other deceptive tactics. Be cautious of organizations with names resembling established charities. Verify emails claiming donations or pledges you didn’t make. Make sure you check web addresses closely, especially if they end in a series of numbers.
Be wary of peer-to-peer social network fundraising. Research online or social media campaigns before donating. Ensure your contribution goes to the charity and not the campaign creator.
Protect your identity. Never provide personal information, such as Social Security numbers, in response to charitable solicitations. Review the charity’s privacy policy to understand information-sharing practices.
Be careful when making electronic donations. Verify the legitimacy of electronic donation methods, including text, QR codes, and portable card readers. Confirm that the solicitation is from a legitimate charity.
For additional information on protecting against charity fraud, visit https://oag.ca.gov/donations.
To report any suspected charity fraud, visit https://oag.ca.gov/charities/complaints. By staying vigilant, residents can contribute to a safe and joyous holiday season for all.
