Officials are warning Mississippians to avoid falling victim to charity scams as the state is reportedly experiencing an uptick in fraudulent activity.
Secretary of State Michael Watson urges generous residents to first validate the legitimacy of an organization before donating their hard-earned money to an entity that may be falsely presenting themselves as a charity.
The call to action comes after the secretary of state’s office issued a cease and desist order against Texas-based Restoration Houston Ministry back in July. The organization has repeatedly solicited in Mississippi while failing to comply with state law or register as an official charity.
“We know Mississippians are some of the most generous and hospitable folks in the nation, but it is important to always check the validity of a charity prior to donating,” Watson said. “Unfortunately, bad actors continue to solicit in our state, especially in person, so we encourage you to do your research and ask questions prior to donating your hard-earned dollars.”
It is also important to note, per Watson, that an organization’s 501(c)(3) status does not determine the validity of a charity. Many will donate to an organization with this status, believing the federal 501(c)(3) status signifies an official charity in compliance with Mississippi law.
Registration through the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Charities Division is required before any charity can solicit to the state’s residents and be considered legitimate.
Watson’s team offers the following tips to help folks avoid fraudulent charities:
- Before donating, verify an organization’s validity through the Mississippi Secretary of State’s “Charity Search” portal, or by calling the Charities Division at (601)359-1599.
- Legitimate charities will welcome inquiries. One should never feel pressured to donate “immediately” without receiving more information first. If in person, ask to see a copy of the certificate of registration from the Secretary of State’s Office.
- Always get receipts for donations.
- Be extra cautious about solicitations via phone calls, texts, emails, or mail.
- Help raise awareness about the growing threat of scammers in the state.
