RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. - This week, Oct. 17 to 21, is International Charity Fraud Awareness Week, and Secretary of State Tre Hargett is reminding Tennesseans of resources available from his office to help avoid scams. "Unfortunately, there are scammers out there who set up fake organizations to take advantage of Tennesseans' generosity," said Secretary Hargett.

In addition, the Better Business Bureau also posts up-to-date information on charity related scams through their Give.org website. James Price of the Rutherford County BBB office told WGNS NEWS the website keeps up with groups that are taking donations to help those impacted by the recent hurricanes… Give.org is an arm of the BBB.

To further help Tennesseans avoid charity fraud and maximize their donation's impact, the Secretary of State's Division of Business and Charitable Organizations created a Wise Giving Tips video (See Video Below).

The Wise Giving Tips are: 

• If a nonprofit asks you for a contribution, check to see if it's registered with the State of Tennessee on the Secretary of State’s website tn.gov/charitiesor by calling 615-741-2555.
• Take your time. Resist pressure to give on the spot.
• Ask questions. If an organization has a specific mission, ask how and who will benefit from your donation.
• If you are asked for a donation via text or email, verify the request is directly from the charity or nonprofit.
• Do your own research and don't assume a social media or blog recommendation has been approved by the nonprofit.
• If you give through an app or website, make sure your donation is going directly to the organization.
• Avoid giving cash. Always ask for a receipt and if your contribution is tax deductible.
• Pay close attention to the name of the nonprofit organization. There are many organizations with similar names.
• Don't forget there are many ways to give, such as volunteering your time.
• If a paid fundraiser asks you for a donation, ask how much is kept by the fundraiser and how much goes to the nonprofit.

Any charity that raises over $50,000 a year must register with the State of Tennessee. To see if a charity is registered, visit sos.tn.gov/charities or call 615-741-2555.

Please report any false, misleading or deceptive fundraising activity to the Division of Business and Charitable Organizations at 615-741-2555.

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• UPDATE: Shooting at Smyrna apartment complex this past Friday