Tuesday, April 24, 2007
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Better Business Bureau cautions area businesses and consumers to be careful before contributing to a charity that claims to be connected to Virginia Tech.
Patricia Rose, president of the Youngstown BBB organization, said she is concerned that fraudulent charities will arise in the wake of last week's shootings on the campus.
"It happened after [Hurricane] Katrina, and chances are that it will happen this time, too," she said.
She said some area residents have called the BBB to ask about making donations to organizations providing support for victims and their families. The BBB has advised people to go to the school's Web site for information on donating to a memorial fund or the school's foundation.
She also provided these tips:
Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion but short on describing what the charity will do to address the needs of victims.
Do not give cash.
Watch out for excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations.
Do not give your credit card number or personal information to a telephone solicitor.
Ask for written information that describes the charity's programs.
Be wary of charities that are reluctant to answer reasonable questions about their operations, finances and programs.