'Scams in the Aftermath of Monday's horrific shootings at Virginia Tech'

In the aftermath of Monday's horrific shootings at Virginia Tech,= the Better Business Bureau is issuing a caution to area= consumers and businesses to be thoughtful and prudent before= contributing to a charity or outreach connected with the= tragedy=2E

Be very sure that the contribution you make will do precisely = what you want it to do=2E

"These are emotional times and we all want to help", Warren King,= president of the BBB said=2E "Just don't be rushed into making a= contribution=2E Many well meaning people will be establishing= charitable organizations to help with the victims or their= families=2E Unfortunately, many of these well meaning charities= are unsophisticated and not really capable of handling= significant sums of money=2E Even more unfortunately, some= charitable solicitations are at best deceitful and, at worst,= just plain crooked=2E"

The Bureau offers this advice:

1=2E Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion, but short on= describing what the charity will do to address the needs of= victims and their families=2E

2=2E If you contribute, do not give cash=2E Make a check or money= order out to the name of the charitable organization, not to the= individual collecting the donation=2E

3=2E Watch out for excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations=2E Be= wary of any request to send a "runner" to pick up your= contribution=2E

4=2E Do not give your credit card number or other personal= information to a telephone solicitor=2E Ask the caller to provide= you with written information on the charity's programs and= finances=2E

5=2E Do not hesitate to ask for written information that describes= the charity's program(s) and finances such as the charity's= latest annual report and financial statements=2E Even newly= created organizations should have some basic information= available=2E

6=2E Be wary of charities that are reluctant to answer reasonable= questions about their operations, finances and programs=2E Ask how= much of your gift will be used for the activity mentioned in the= appeal and how much will go toward other programs and= administrative and fund raising costs=2E

7=2E Remember the opportunities to give will continue=2E The tragedy= aftermath will not disappear when the headlines do=2E

Better Business Bureau

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