| > | | | | THE PIGEON DROP |
| | | | A person approaches you and says that he just found |
| Charity fraud does a lot of harm. The con artist takes | | | | a large amount of money. What should he do with it? |
| advantage of people's good will and takes their cash - | | | | Maybe his "boss" can suggest something. He then |
| money that was meant for people in need. You can | | | | leaves to check with his "boss" and comes back a |
| make sure that any money you give gets into the right | | | | few minutes later. His boss said to divide the money, |
| hands. Just remember these tips when somebody | | | | but first, each of you must put up some, "good faith |
| asks you for a donation. | | | | money". Once you hand over your share, you'll never |
| ·Ask for identification - the organization AND the | | | | see it or the con artist again. |
| solicitor. Find out what the purpose of the charity is and | | | | THE BANK EXAMINER |
| how funds are used. | | | | A con artist will contact you and tell you he is a bank |
| ·Ask if contributions are tax deductible. | | | | official or police officer and that he needs your help to |
| ·If you're not satisfied with the answers-don't give. | | | | catch a dishonest bank teller. All you have to do is |
| ·Give to charities that you know. | | | | withdraw your savings and give the money to him so |
| ·Check out the ones you've never heard of before, | | | | he can check the serial numbers. IF you do, you've |
| or others whose names are similar to a well-known | | | | been "stung". A real bank official would NEVER ask |
| charity. | | | | you to withdraw your money. |
| ·Don't fall for high-pressure tactics. If solicitors won't | | | | Is it hard to believe that people fall for such tricks? Con |
| take no for an answer, tell them NO anyway - BUT | | | | artists may be the greatest actors you'll ever meet. |
| DON'T GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY. | | | | The pigeon drop and the bank examiner schemes are |
| ·Be suspicious of charities that only accept cash. | | | | two of the most successful con games around. Don't |
| ·Always send a check made out to the charity and | | | | be fooled. CALL THEIR BLUFF BEFORE IT'S TOO |
| not the individual requesting the donation. | | | | LATE. |