Stan says: ‘Check your charities’

They’re baa-ack! The holiday season is here, and with it comes the charity solicitations — and the scammers.

I was out driving when I stopped for a red light and was approached by one of two men dressed in Battle Dress Uniforms carrying pails on which was written “Disabled Veterans Of America.” “Help the Veterans,” they were shouting and I noticed some of the drivers tossing dollar bills into their buckets.

I am a big believer in donating and assisting our heroes in any way I can, but I knew I had seen this hoax before. There is no Disabled Veterans of America charity. The organization we are familiar with is called Disabled American Veterans.

After a few minutes on the Internet, I learned that the creator of the Disabled Veterans of America scam was arrested two years ago in Michigan for creating fake charities with names similar to legitimate veterans groups. He used the telemarketing proceeds for his own gain. He was sentenced to serve time in prison and had to make restitution.

Either he was released, or someone else is now working his con.

At this time of year, we receive many solicitations for donations. If you are not sure about the legitimacy of the senders go to the following website: CharityNavigaor.org. This website ranks not-for-profit organizations on the strength of their finances, the transparency of their operations, and their control of administrative and fund-raising expenses. Four stars is the highest ranking. Three stars is OK. I stay away from anything less than that. Go to that website and you will be shocked at how many very popular charity organizations are two, one and zero stars.

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Do you see that woman with the binoculars who looks like a tourist? Maybe she really is, but if you are at a cash machine, make sure you cover the keypad as you type in your codes.

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Will you be away on a cruise for the holidays? Do not — I repeat, do NOT — announce it to the world on Facebook. Many people brag about where they are going and come home to find their houses robbed. You might want to warn your teenage daughter now.

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Here’s another oldie but goodie that’s back in town. Most retailers have a display of gift cards for you to choose from. Help yourself and make sure that it is activated by paying the amount of money you request.

Outside the store, just as you are about to enter, a well-dressed woman holding a gift card approaches you. The bubba meintsa you are handed is that she just received this fifty-dollar gift card and hates shopping there. She offers to sell it to you at a substantial discount — as much as fifty percent.

“You don’t believe that the card is authentic? Come inside and I’ll prove it.”

Ask any cashier to scan it and you’ll learn that the card actually is worth fifty bucks. You can now buy it at half price. So where’s the scam?

As you reach down into your handbag for the twenty-five dollars your new best friend switches the good card for an identical one that she took from the display rack – one that is not validated and totally worthless. You’ll be very embarrassed when you attempt to use it as payment for a purchase. You’ve been had.

I amSta‌nGers‌hbein‌@Bell‌south.net saying something that you have heard hundreds of times: If it sounds too good to be true, yada, yada, yada.