For Immediate Release:
November 22, 2023
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
Cameron Mixon (334) 242-7491
(Montgomery) – As Alabamians celebrate the giving season, many are considering donating to charitable organization of their choice. Since 2012, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been recognized as ‘Giving Tuesday.’ The day has evolved into a movement to promote charitable donations during the holidays which has raised over $1 billion for charities around the world. This year, Giving Tuesday will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 28. Unfortunately, the Office of the Attorney General regularly sees the generosity of individuals around the state being taken advantage of by people who seek opportunities to scam others out of money. Attorney General Steve Marshall is urging Alabamians to be diligent when considering making charitable donation.
“During the Christmas season, so many Alabamians are inspired to bless those around us by donating to a variety of organizations, like a local food pantry or a non-profit assisting Veterans in need,” said Attorney General Marshall. “There are many great organizations serving our communities, and by doing a little leg-work you can make sure that you are contributing to legitimate charities that are truly making a difference.”
When considering making a generous donation of any kind, Attorney General Marshall offers the following advice.
- Identify a charity of choice before making a contribution.
- Once identified, check with the Attorney General’s site to verify registration and nonprofit status at www.AlabamaAG.gov. To verify nonprofit status with the federal government visit: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/
- Run the charities name through the Better Business Bureau’s website at www.give.org for free access to charity reports and to confirm BBB accreditation.
- When searching or inputting the name of a charity in a URL, use the exact name of the charity to avoid similar named organizations that may not be a legitimate charity, or the exact charity of choice.
Attorney General Marshall asks any consumers who have questions to call the consumer hotline at 1-800-392-5658 or ConsumerInterest@AlabamaAG.gov.
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