California Attorney General Rob Bonta is offering tips on how to donate safely and avoid charity fraud this holiday season.
Bonta’s office has primary regulatory oversight of charities and professional fundraisers who solicit on their behalf in California.
At a news conference on Monday, Nov. 26, Bonta encouraged donors to make sure their donations get into the correct hands.
“Every holiday season, the generosity of Californians is on full display,” the AG said. “Up and down our state, they donate their time and hard-earned money to charitable organizations doing incredibly important work. The Downtown Women’s Center is one of those organizations, and I want to thank them for partnering with us as we share tips to avoid charity scams.”
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.
Residents who believe a charity or fundraiser is acting in bad faith should 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.