The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Consumers should be cautious when giving to charitable groups, especially at this time of year when fundraising drives peak. The Consumers' Bureau has these recommendations: To find out if the fundraising is authorized phone the Consumers' Bureau at 1-800-782-0067. Resist high-pressure appeals. Never send cash donations through the mail. Do not give credit card or bank information. If products are being sold on behalf of a charity, ask how much of the purchase goes to the charity. Be aware that some direct sellers hire students to sell items such as chocolate bars for profit rather than charitable fundraising.
