Verify an unfamiliar charity before replying

How to verify an unfamiliar charity mailing

1. Search the charity's name in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search to confirm its tax-exempt status. That confirms legal status only.
2. Look the organization up on Charity Navigator, GuideStar or your state's charity registration database to see public filings and registration records.
3. Hold off on calling phone numbers or visiting web addresses printed on the piece until you have confirmed the organization independently.
4. If you want less of its mail, contact donor services using details you found yourself, or photograph one ordinary appeal with the sender and your full mailing label visible and submit it to Junk Mail Magic. An authorized user should review the details first.

Tax-exempt status is not an endorsement

A tax-exempt determination means an organization has met certain legal requirements. It says nothing about whether the charity is well run or free of complaints. Some mailers use names close to those of well-known charities, so compare the name and address against state registration records and independent watchdog sites before donating or sharing personal information. If you cannot confirm the organization independently, do not reply to the mailing.

Use independently found contact details

Once you have confirmed the charity, contact it using a phone number or address from its registered website, not from the mailing.

Instructions for the next step

• Charity mail and donor preferences
• Compare postal opt-out routes