With the volume of solicitations that you receive on a daily basis via the telephone, Internet and U.S. mail, it's often difficult to distinguish between legitimate charities and companies or individuals who are simply trying to con you out of your money. Thieves will often times make up names for their so called charities that sound similiar to an actual charity in an attempt to appear legitimate.

If you are inclined to donate to a charity, keep in mind that you should always write checks to the organization and not a specific individual. Be suspicious of those who will only accept donations in cash or who are unwilling to provide you with copies of their financial statements or annual reports.

The Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance offers guidance to donors on making informed giving decisions through charity evaluations and various "tip" publications.