1. Ask for the registration number of the solicitor and the charity.
   
   
2. Check the charity’s disclosure and financial statements on the Secretary of State’s website.
   
   
3. Ask the solicitor how much of the donation will go to the charity.
   
   
4. Be wary if the charity fails to provide information about finances. Reputable charities will gladly provide the information requested.
   
   
5. Watch out for charities with names that sound similar to well-known organizations. These sound-alike names are intended to confuse.
   
   
6. Do not pay in cash – donate by check made payable to the charity.
   
   
7. If solicited in person, ask to see the solicitor's and charity’s identification.
   
   
8. Certain well-known charities such as the Red Cross will never solicit donations over the phone.
   
   
9. Beware of unsolicited e-mail. Instead, go directly to the organization’s website or call to make donations.
   
   
10. If you feel uncomfortable, simply say, “No thank you.”

If you believe that you have been solicited by a fraudulent charity,
please file a complaint with the Secretary of State or the Attorney General.