Make Sure Your Donations Really Help

Donations Really Help (NAPSA)—Disasters and crises bring out the best in humannature, but they can also bring out those whoprey on others. Numerous charity scams emerged after the 2004 Southeast Asia earthquake and tsunami. When making a charitable contribution, use a check or credit card instead of cash. The Hurricane Katrina disaster offers a new opportunity for charity scammers. If yowre thinking of contributing to relief efforts, it’s important to know where your donation dol- lars will go. U.S. Postal Inspectors offer these precautions: Avoid cash gifts. It’s best to pay by check or credit card. Watch out for solicitations that come from an organization with a name that soundslike a well-knowncharity. Check out the charity with the National Association of State Charity Officials at www.nasco net.org or the Wise Giving Alliance at www.bbb.org. If you believe you’ve been scammed, contact the Postal Inspection Service at www.usps. com/postalinspectors.