SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With several more homicides in Peoria in the last week, and the recent mass shooting in the Chicago suburbs, the Illinois Attorney General’s office is warning about scams relating to victims of gun violence.
A GoFundMe page, for instance, has been set up for a victim in Thursday’s reported murder-suicide in Peoria, and a number of efforts have been set up to help families of Highland Park victims, but you are urged to do your homework before giving.
“Ask how much of your donation will go to the charity, and how much will be used to pay fundraising costs. Solicitors must give you this information if you do ask,” said Drew Hill, spokesperson, Illinois Attorney General’s office. “Pay close attention to the name of the charity. Some fraudulent charities use names that sound or even look like those of legitimate organizations.”
Spokesperson Drew Hill, who says victims’ families sometimes even get calls from potential scammers, offering to help victims fill out applications for the state’s Crime Victims Compensation Program.
“The callers have relayed inaccurate and incomplete information,” said Hill. “We cannot say with certainty that these callers intended to scam individuals. However, applicants are vulnerable if they do not know who they should speak with, or who they are even talking to.”
Hill says you should not donate in cash, and to also be wary of some online solicitations.
Tips from the Illinois Attorney General’s office:
- Ask how much of your donation will go to the charity and how much will be used to pay fund-raising costs. Solicitors must give you this information if you ask.
- Pay close attention to the name of the charity. Some fraudulent charities use names that sound or look like those of legitimate organizations to mislead you.
- Ask questions about the charity. Donate only when your questions have been answered and you are certain your money will be used according to your wishes. Ask whether the charity is registered with the Illinois Attorney General’s office and what percentage of the money taken in goes to fundraising, administration and charitable programming.
- Exercise caution when giving online. Spam email solicitations that appear to be linked to individuals collecting for families affected could be coming from persons wishing to take advantage of those wishing help. Be wary of any online solicitations from unfamiliar persons or charities.
- Do not pay in cash. For security and tax record purposes, pay by check. Be sure to write the full official name of the charity on your check—do not abbreviate.
- Request written information. A legitimate charity will provide information outlining its mission, how your donation will be distributed, and proof that your contribution is tax deductible.
- Do not donate if the solicitor uses high-pressure tactics, asks for cash payment or insists on sending someone to pick up your donation. These are all hallmarks of a scam.
- Donors should contact the Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Bureau to report suspicious solicitations by calling 312-814-2595.
