How Can I Tell Whether or Not this Is a Scam?

Question

Hi. A couple of days ago, I received a letter in the mail, saying it was from the food bank in my state, they are supposedly collecting up money for Christmas for poor kids and stuff. Before I send them any money, how can I figure out whether or not this is a scam? They didn't add a website or telephone number.

Answer 1

Yes, one of the answerers is absolutely spot on. You're unlikely to be the first person to receive this letter. If it was/is a scam, it is likely to have come to the attention of the local police authorities.
They are in the best position to advise and the beauty of it, is that, it's free. So hop down to your local station.

Answer 2

If they gave you an address in the letter you could call there and see for yourself if they are legit.
If you got no address or phone number then they are a Scam as any reputable company collecting for a charity will give you these details.
Do not send any money to anyone without first getting a Name,Address,Phone Number and Charitable registration number.
If they are a registered charitable company they will have a Reg number.
There are way too many scams out there today.
It is nice to give to worthy causes but difficult to know which ones are genuine.

Answer 3

I wouldn't be too worried if there was no website, as not every company has the resouces to make one, but the fact that there is no telephone number is rather troubling. I'd advise you to skip this one.

If you want to donate to poor kids, then go to a reputable organization, like the Red Cross, or Toys for Tots. This way, you can be sure that the money you donate goes exactly where you think it will be going.

Answer 4

It sounds like a scam. I have never heard of a food bank asking for money. Most prefer receiving donations of food because they donate food baskets to needy families. If you want to help a food bank, donate perishable food instead.

Answer 5

NO WEBSITE OR TELEPHONE NUMBER scam SCAM scam SCAM! HERE IS A GOOD NUMBER FOR THEM 1-800- FIND A SUCKER ELSEWHERE. if you like to give... and i applaud you tremendously for it...find a local food bank ..they r in every city.. and offer assistance there where you may make a difference in an elderly families life/christmas or a family with kids who may not otherwise eat christmas dinner or receive a gift. GOD BLESS THE CHEERFUL (YET WISE) GIVERS. APPLAUSE TO YOU***APPLAUSE AGAIN***ONE MORE TIME ***YAY FOR GENEROSITY AND YAY FOR YOU****P.S. GREEDY PEOPLE SUCK!!!!!

Answer 6

It sounds like it is a scam if they didn't include a phone number.

You can the food bank in your area to see if they have sent out any mail asking for donations.

Answer 7

If they are a food bank, they would be collecting unparishable foods, not money. It sounds like a scam to me.

Answer 8

this is a scam...food banks distribute non perishable food items to the poor not money....altho some do accept cash donations...be on the safe side and send them non perishable food items and if they are legit they wont mind that a bit...Merry Christmas!

Answer 9

Most official food banks have a phone number listed somewhere, and they take food, not money. My motto is when in doubt, don't.
You can always find a legitimate food bank where you can donate, or a legitimate charity in your town.
Good luck and hug yourself for caring about those in need :)

Answer 10

IF IT SOUNDS LIKE A SCAM, IT PROBABLY IS ONE. THEY MUST HAVE TOLD YOU THE NAME OF THEIR BUSINESS, LOOK THEM UP IN THE LOCAL PHONE BOOK. CONTACT THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. IF YOU CAN'T GET A LOCAL PHONE NUMBER FOR THEM, IT MAY BE BEST TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO WOULD JUST SEND THE MONEY AND WOULD THINK THAT THEY WERE MAKING A DONATION TO HELP OUT THE LESS FORTUNATE. UNFORTUNATELY, THEY WOULD JUST BE HELPING A CON ARTIST.