PHONEY CHARITIES

Scam artists posing as charities are out to take advantage of your generosity says Chris Ferguson, director of Ontario's Consumer Protection Branch. "Sadly, money is not only bilked form unwary donors, but also diverted from legitimate charities and the people they help." He adds, "We know con artists use copycat names to imitate real charities, pretending to raise money for cancer research and other worthy causes." Phoney charity scams operate year round but pick up steam as the holiday season approaches. "They tug on your heartstrings to loosen your purse strings."

Smart donors ask questions, and legitimate charities are happy to answer. "Evasive answers and high pressure tactics are signs of a scam." Ferguson notes, "A real charity will send you more information if you ask." Plan your charitable giving. Decide what causes to support and check into the many wonderful organizations that exist to help people. Set a charity budget and stick to it. A questionable donation request is easier to resist if you have already given to charity.

PUBLICATION TO NOTE

Not a Tax Grab After All : a Second Look at Ontario's HST, by Ernie Lightman and Andrew Mitchell. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, December 2009. ISBN-978-1-897569-84-9