Are You Giving to Charity or Being Scammed in Idaho?

The Magic Valley and the state of Idaho are notoriously giving people. When it comes to helping those in need, Idaho takes care of its own. This is especially true during the holidays when everyone appears to be in the giving spirit. Nobody should be hungry, cold, or without a gift this holiday season, and for those that can they typically find a way to give during the holiday season. The problem is that there are those out there who will take advantage of the giving season and will scam people to give to them instead of to those in need. How do you know if you are giving to a charity this holiday season or if you are getting scammed and giving to a bad cause in Idaho?

Charity or Scam in Idaho?

It's not a secret that some look to take advantage of generosity during the holidays, and it is a fear that many have and that some have experienced. There are many scams out there this time of year, some pretending to be charities, and others claiming they need your money more than a charity does. According to a recent study on badcredit.org, one in six Americans has been targeted in a charity donation scam, with 23 percent having been targeted within the last year. On average Americans have been scammed out of $144.

Donating Time and Money in Idaho

While there are scams that occur, especially around the holidays, there are many charities that are worth donating to as well. Of those surveyed, 39 percent said they would be donating this holiday season, with one in four saying they would donate their time instead of money. Of those who donate, 86 percent said they believe their financial donations make a difference. To donate to charity during the holidays there are at times sacrifices that need to be made. For example, 60 percent said they sacrificed dining out, 35 percent gave up travel expenses, 23 percent gave up gifts to family and friends, and 49 percent gave up entertainment such as concerts and movies. 

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Despite there being scams to be aware of, don't let it discourage you from donating to those in need this holiday season. Those donations go a long way in helping those less fortunate during the holiday season, and everyone deserves to have a happy holiday. To read the full survey and to check out more on donating to charity, make sure to click the link in the second paragraph above.