Give to the Needy - Not the Greedy

TAX DEDUCTIONS
Ask if your contribution is tax deductible.  Just because they're tax exempt doesn't necessarliy mean you're going to get a write-off.  To see if a charity is in fact a 501 c 3, click on this below link and go to "Search Now".

http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96136,00.html

If it's a new charity, it may not be on the list, but they should be able to provide you with their letter from the IRS showing they're a 501 c 3.

Also, if you give to charity and want a tax deduction, you'll need to follow their rules.  Go to this link for helpful information:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=164997,00.html

CHECK OUT A CHARITY
There are several websites out there devoted to helping legitimate charities.
The Better Business Bureau has one at www.Give.org.
Go to www.Guidestar.org to verify a nonprofit's legitimacy, learn whether a contribution will be tax deductible, view a nonprofit's recent Forms 990, or find out more about its mission, programs, and finances (you will have to register - but it's free for the basic information)
www.CharityNavigator.org rates charities.

If you think you've been scammed or contacted by a scammer, you need to call the OK Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit at 521-2029.