Beware of Haiti charity scams, Colorado AG says
DENVER - State officials are warning Coloradans to be wary of unknown charities soliciting money for earthquake relief in Haiti. They could be crooks.

"Coloradans have demonstrated a tremendous capacity for generosity during past disasters, but even the best intentioned donors should take precautions to ensure they are not victims of fraud," Colorado Attorney General John Suthers said. "Scam artists often use disasters to take advantage of the generosity of those who simply want to help."

Suthers and Colorado Secretary of State Bernie Buescher offered several tips to avoid getting ripped off.

First, ask for the solicitor's registration number and the registration number of the charity he or she is representing.

Ask the solicitor how much or what percentage of the donation will go to the charity. Be wary if the charity does not want to provide information about its programs and finances. Reputable charities will gladly provide the information requested.

If solicited in person, ask to see identification for both the solicitor and the charity. Many prominent charities, like the Red Cross, will never solicit donations over the phone.

Visit the www.checkthecharity.com or the Colorado Secretary of State's Web site (www.sos.state.co.us) to make sure a charity soliciting contributions is registered with the state.

"Undoubtedly, our hearts go out to the victims of this disaster," Buescher said. "Coloradans can maximize their contributions and aid to this tragedy by only giving to established, legitimate charities or by checking the charity first on our Web site."