Warnings Of Fake Charities Issued

{Charleston, West Virginia}…Secretary of State Natalie Tennant and U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin have issued warnings urging residents be on the lookout for fake charities seeking to exploit Superstorm Sandy and the holiday giving season. Goodwin says the best way to be safe is to stick with well-known charitable organizations you know and trust. Tennant says, if you're contacted by a charity you think isn't legitimate, ask where the charity is located, where the money will be going, and if they could send you literature. The Secretary of State's office maintains an online database of 3,248 registered organizations that can be accessed at www.wvsos.com, by clicking on the "Wise Charitable Giving" link at the top of the page. Not all valid charities are listed, however. Only those that receive more than $25,000 in donations during a year and do not use professional fundraising consultants or counsel are required to register.