Scams popping up in wake of 'Dark Knight Rises' shooting
Scammers are a heartless bunch, which is news to no one.
But while everyone knows to keep an eye for fraudsters targeting seniors or surfacing ‘round the holidays, thieves know how to leverage tragedy, too.
They popped up after 9/11, and there they were following Norway’s massacre last year, pulling on heartstrings to pry on wallets.
Now? Merciless con men are turning the deadly Colorado Dark Knight Rises shooting into an earning opportunity.
About a week since 12 people were gunned down in that Aurora movie theatre, plenty of good-natured people want to help out any way they can, sending money to victims’ families to cope with their loss.
*Bing: How to spot a charity scam
Yet there are also plenty that want to intercept the cash.
The Federal Trade Commission has had to issue a release in the wake of the tragedy, alerting those who wish to donate of scammers trying to solicit cash.
Reports of telemarketers cold-calling Americans have surfaced since the shooting, the latest in a long line of pitiful, calculated attempts by crooks to capitalize on national mourning.
“It’s wise to be wary of charities that spring up overnight in connection with current events, like the theatre shooting,” the FTC writes in a statement. “Urgent appeals for aid that you get in person, by phone or mail, by email, on websites, or on social networking sites may not be on the up-and-up.”
Whenever this kind of thing happens, movie theatre murders or not, it’s best to revert to a course in Charity Scams 101.
If you’re prompted to donate to a topical tragedy, always ask plenty of questions, including the name of the charity, what percentage of your donation goes to the cause and to demand you receive a receipt. Never give out a credit card before you’ve reviewed a charity on your own, verifying it’s real.
To do so, in Canada at least, always check out the Canada Revenue Agency’s official listing of charities before sending along any money.
Posted by: Frank | Jul 31, 2012 3:24:19 PM
I follow a simple rule: if someone calls me for a donation, I tell them to take a hike. Of course, if it is a reputable charity, I will be more respectful. If I suspect a scam, then move over Tom Mabe!