Charity scammers are very clever -- they know exactly what heartstrings to tug and how to make you think the scam is real.

Here are 10 tips to help spot charity scams:

1. Ask for the name, address, and phone number of the charity -- and whether or not it is registered. If the presenters claim that it is registered, get a registration number.

Fake charity scammers often set up quasi-legitimate agencies so that, at first glance, they look real; they may also name themselves something similar to other legitimate charities.

They may even carry 'ID' in the name of the charity, complete with a logo.

The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance offers information about national charities; you can call 703-276-0100 or go to their website: http://www.give.org

If you're trying to figure out whether or not some particular charity is worthy of support, check out this section of the site http://www.give.org/reports/index.asp They publish their standards for rating charities, and then rate over 600 different charities using these standards.

2. Be especially cautious about getting a charity donation request by email. Most legitimate charities don't use email for their solicitations. (Some legitimate charities will email people who have donated before -- but never respond to requests where you've never donated.) Remember our motto: if it's spam, it's a scam.

3. Verify with the office of the charity that there is indeed a campaign going on, or that they've authorized the charity drive that you're being invited to contribute to.

4. Be especially wary about charities that claim to be raising funds for the local police or firefighters. Check with them first!

5. Ask what percentage of your donation goes directly to the cause. Legitimate charities will have ready answers because they are used to the question. :-)

6. Don't ever donate cash if you can help it. Write a check to the charity -- not to the person standing in front of you. This also helps you document the donation for your records and for your tax return.

7. Get a receipt with the name of the charity on it.

8. Don't give in to pressure or 'guilt trips' about 'suggested donations' or 'requested minimum contributions.' Once you've determined that the charity is legitimate and you've decided you want to contribute, simply give what you can and want to give -- it will be appreciated.

9. Be wary of every opportunity that presents itself -- especially when it presents itself in the wake of some big disaster that gets lots of media attention.

10. The best way we know of to avoid charity scams is to decide IN ADVANCE (while you're doing your annual or monthly budget)

which charities you'll support and CONTACT THEM. Then you can gracefully turn anyone else down who comes your way with hat in hand.

For more tips on avoiding charities and charity scams, visit: http://www.scambusters.org/charities.html
It's great to be a giver -- but give cautiously so you're not enriching scammers or a questionable 'charity.'

Protect yourself from clever online and offline scams. Find out the latest information on Internet scams, spyware, viruses, hoaxes and urban legends. Subscribe free to Internet ScamBusters, the #1 publication on Internet fraud. Visit: http://www.scambusters.org