The Christmas and New Year holiday season is traditionally used for charity, generosity, and mutual assistance. However, it is during this period that it is important to be wary of abuses related to the wave of good intentions, writes Lvportals.
What signs should you pay attention to and what should you consider before opening your heart and wallet for donations?
During the holiday season, fraudsters particularly exploit people's emotions and their desire to help. Stories about a seriously ill child, a family affected by a fire or other disaster, a lonely pensioner, or a person with a disability left without support can reflect genuine need or be a carefully crafted deception. Therefore, it is crucial to distinguish between real cases and fraudulent schemes.
A responsible approach to donations not only protects the donor but also ensures that help truly reaches those in need. As noted by the State Police, fraudsters often create fake charity websites or social media pages that visually resemble profiles of real organizations.
"It is essential to verify the existence of a legal entity. Charitable organizations in Latvia are registered in a special register and are entitled to tax benefits. Reliable organizations publish financial reports and information on the use of donations. Furthermore, upon request, they are obliged to present documents confirming the receipt and use of funds," the police reminds.
"To ensure that the donation truly reaches good hands, one should pay attention to the organization's previous activities: how long it has been in existence, who works there, what its results are, and whether it publishes open reports on the use of funds. Reliable organizations clearly articulate their goals and regularly inform the public about their achievements," emphasizes Kristīne Zonberga, director of the Latvian Civic Alliance, which unites more than 130 non-governmental organizations.
