In the wake of the Charlottesville white supremacy disturbance, the Virginia Attorney General is warning citizens to be wary of fake crowdfunding campaigns.
AG Herring suggests that if you are not sure of the originator of the campaign, investigate, try to find some kind of offer verification, and if you still have questions about its legitimacy, just give to a known entity like the Red Cross.
He warns against supposed charities that reach out to you first, that use “copycat” names, that pressure you to give and can’t give proof that your donation is tax deductible. Real charities must also register with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs.
Herring wants consumers to report possible scams to his office.
http://www.newsplex.com/content/news/Herring-issues-warning-about-fake-charities-and-scampaigns-440565193.html
