LANSING — Sen. John Proos encourages southwest Michigan residents who are considering donating to a charity this holiday season to avoid scams by insuring their chosen charitable organization is reputable.
“For many southwest Michigan families Christmastime is the season for giving, especially to help those in need,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “I urge all generous givers to beware of scams by verifying a charity ahead of time. Thankfully, the state attorney general’s office has a website to check charitable trusts. It is not definitive, but it can give you reasonable peace of mind that your hard-earned money will go to a good cause – and not into the pocket of those preying on your holiday spirit.”
Residents may verify charities at: www.ag.state.mi.us/CharitableTrust.
The site allows you to search for a registered charity, public safety organization or professional fundraiser by name; or for a list of charities by purpose, geographical area or combination of factors.
Some organizations may not appear because they are not required to register to solicit donations in Michigan. Call the Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Section at (517) 373-1152 with any questions about an organization.