Don't get scammed this Holiday season - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Don't get scammed this Holiday season

By: Katie Jones

kjones@cbs4qc.com

 Tis the season, for holiday scammers. With Christmas right around the corner many of us want to give back to those less fortunate. But beware the Better Business Bureau said there are plenty of phony charities out there looking to rip you off and that's where your computer comes in. www.give.org, it's a simple site packed with tons of information.

 "It will tell them whether or not they're rated through the BBB as an accredited charity or just give them information about some of the red flags people might need to look for," Pat Englander from the Better Business Bureau of the Quad Cities said.

Some of those red flags include extreme financial claims and odd packaging and BBB reps said don't let the names fool you.

 "So many times a phony charity will use the name or the name very closely associated with a charity that is well known so it's very easy to get scammed," Englander said.

The BBB said scammers thrive on pressure so take your time and do the research, before you donate. "If a charity needs your money today they're going to need your money tomorrow and the next day too so it does give you adequate time to check it out," Englander said.

BBB reps said they haven't had any charity scams reported in the QC so far this holiday season but say it is something that happens every year. So they encourage folks to check out www.give.org.