Fraudulent charity drives sparks warnings from officials BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer WOODBRIDGE - Township officials and the Woodbridge Police Department are warning residents to be cautious and to make sure they do their research on solicitors and charitable fundraisers before they donate. The warning comes after solicitors claiming to represent the New Jersey Deputy Fire Chiefs Association contacted township businesses and residents requesting donations to aid in fire department programs to help area children. However, none of the nine township fire departments are presently involved in fundraising activities nor are they associated with the New Jersey Deputy Fire Chiefs Association, officials said. "In many instances, professional fundraisers tug on the heart strings and good intentions of the township residents and businesses who wish to contribute to legitimate causes," said Mayor John E. McCormac. "We are reminding everyone to be very cautious and to fully check out any phone solicitation before handing over any funds. "Unfortunately, some disreputable organizations claiming to represent police and fire departments are seeking monies that will never find their way to legitimate purposes," added the mayor. The state created the Charitable Registration and Investigation Act of 1994 in order to protect the public from fraud and deceptive practices. The public can research charitable organizations in New Jersey that are regis- tered with the Division of ConsumerAffairs' (DCA) Charities Registration at www.njconsumeraffairs. gov/charity/chardir.htm. Tips on avoiding scams are offered on the DCA's Web site, which include: avoid being pressured into making an immediate donation; beware of promises of a gift or prize in return for your donation; do not listen to a "sob story" about why your donation is needed; do not give credit card information to an unknown person over the telephone; never agree to have a messenger or delivery service come to your home to pick up your donation. The Web site also offers tips on solicitations by mail. If a person receives trinkets (gifts) and other items accompanying donation requests in the mail, it does not require one to send a donation because of the gift. Be dubious if the charity claims you have made a donation pledge previously, but you have no record or recollection, and ignore harassing letters that demand payment of a donation pledge you do not recall making. If you are interested in making a donation, ask for written information about the charity to be mailed to you, ask if the organization is using a professional fundraising firm, and if so, how much of your donation actually goes to charity. When making a donation, never send cash; write a check made out in the charity's name and also keep a record of your donation, noting the date and amount of the donation. For more information, contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at (973) 604-6200 or the DCA's Charities Hotline at (973) 504-6215.