UPDATE: December 2 at 9:20 p.m.
WorkSource Columbia Basin conducted a series of training sessions across Washington including one in Kennewick to help residents avoid falling victim to scams.
This initiative coincides with International Charity Fraud Awareness Week.
The Washington Attorney General’s Office is using the occasion to educate residents about spotting fraudulent charity requests. They are highlighting common scams such as impostor charities with legitimate-sounding names, phishing links through texts or emails, and opportunistic groups forming after tragedies to exploit generous donors.
Today’s outreach in Kennewick aimed to equip people with the knowledge to donate safely and ensure their contributions genuinely benefit their intended communities.
Elena Huizar, Consumer Protection Outreach Services Supervisor, emphasized the importance of secure giving.
“They want to donate money that’s going to benefit their community members or people that are, you know, in need in the community. And so there are ways to give, you know, assuredly to be, sure that the money that you’re giving is going to your local community,” said Huizar.
The Attorney General’s Office advises taking a moment before donating to verify that any charity is registered with the Secretary of State. They stress ensuring the charity’s name is not just a slight variation of a well-known group.
For those who suspect they have been contacted by a fraudulent charity, the Attorney General’s Office is encouraging reports. Suspicious activity can be reported through the Consumer Resource Center, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Further details are accessible on the office’s website by looking for the General Consumer Complaint Form.
KENNEWICK, Wash. – As Giving Tuesday approaches, Washingtonians are being urged to protect themselves from charity scams.
The Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO) and the Office of the Secretary of State are sharing tips to help residents avoid fraudulent charity solicitations.
“Giving back to the community is vital and strengthens the fabric of our state,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said in a release. “But Washingtonians should be able to give to the causes they care about without having to worry their money will be stolen. These tips will help protect people from fraud.”
One common scam involves organizations impersonating well-known charities. To avoid these, ask for the charity’s employer identification number and verify it through official databases.
Phishing scams are another risk, where scammers send emails that appear to be from legitimate charities. It’s advised not to click on links in such emails and instead visit the charity’s website directly.
Pop-up scams often arise after disasters, asking for donations through crowdfunding. Residents are encouraged to donate to registered charities that have been established for at least three years.
Payment-method scams also pose a threat, with scammers sometimes inflating donation amounts without the donor’s knowledge. Secure payment methods should always be used.
The AGO is hosting free educational sessions to further educate the public on avoiding charity fraud. Sessions will be held on December 2 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at WorkSource Columbia Basin in Kennewick, with a Spanish webinar at 6:30 p.m.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE: December 1 at 4:05 p.m.
