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Tips for Giving
Beware of scammers
Statistics (2007) show that about 84% of Canadians (15 years or older)
make contributions to charitable and/or other non-profit organizations.
In 2007, it was estimated that $10 billion were donated.
Not just during Christmas holidays, but we must always be alert and make
wise decisions when we are making donations. Let's stay vigilant and
beware of scammers.
Remember also that unless you report scams and frauds, the police and
your fellow citizens will not become aware and there will be more victims
and criminals will keep on doing what they have been doing.
Following are some of the organizations/websites that are better known.
I am sure there are more resources available. These are all Canadian
contents.
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Canada Revenue Agency
Good Questions to ask when a canvasser comes to your door
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/chrts/dnrs/lrt/menu-eng.html
FAQ:
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/chrts/dnrs/fq/menu-eng.html
Short Presentation:
www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/xi/rc306-k/pdf/rc306-4-e.pdf
Phonebusters
"Fraud - Recognize it. Report it. Stop it."
www.phonebusters.com/english/recognizeit_charities.html
Fraud Squad TV (many varieties of webcasts available)
www.fraudcast.com look for charitable donation program
Also available on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa61MOTwpSM
RECOL.ca (Reporting Economic Crime On Line)
Just as you see on their name. You can report online.
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Here are the TIPS Found in the Canada Revenue Agency Website
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/chrts/dnrs/lrt/1-eng.html
CRA recommends that you follow the tips below-before you donate.
Learn, confirm, and take action. Be an informed donor.
1) Confirm that a charity that claims to be registered with the CRA
is in fact registered. Consult the CRA Charities Listings or
call 1-800-267-2384.
2) Confirm that you will receive an official donation receipt
if you want to claim a tax credit. Tax receipts must meet specific
requirements: For more information, see Official donation receipts
3) Ask the charity what activities your donations will support.
Make sure you know who you are donating to. Sometimes fraudulent
charities use names that are similar to well-known /respected charities.
4) Beware of schemes that promise you tax savings greater than your cost,
thus allowing you to "profit" from donating to a registered charity.
For complete details, see the donor alert section.
5) Ask yourself: Am I satisfied that my donation will support the work
of a legitimate charity?
6) Write cheques payable to the charity, not an individual, or make sure
that your online payments are secure.
7) Refuse to donate if there is inappropriate pressure to give immediately
or if there are signs of fraud, such as being offered an official donation
receipt for more than you actually donate. You can report suspected fraud
to PhoneBusters, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre, at: 1-888-495-8501.
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