I think it's too risky to give financial information or credit card information to any incoming call

[CreekDog]

...that you didn't initiate.

What do you think?

Many requests for charity, donations, etc. ask for donation via credit card during the call. As a policy, I never provide such information to an incoming request. Maybe they are legit, but how can I know? Phone numbers can be spoofed on caller ID, or meaningless.

While not wanting to harm charitable collections or other efforts, I've said that I'm happy to visit a website after the call and if it's legit and I want to give, do so that way. However, the way many efforts work is (I'm guessing the fundraisers are paid) and so you're discouraged from giving by going to the website.

But that approach should be able to work, it's 2014, after all. And whatever fundraising effort they are a part of, they can give you that code so that it's included when you donate.

While I'm on this topic, it's always a good idea to ask whomever is fundraising what percentage of the donation is going to the effort, the charity itself. Sometimes it's a third party fundraiser and the amount of their take is horrendous.

Thoughts on this, especially the potential for fraud?

[FarCenter]

1. Never give out information via either the phone or an Internet connection that you did not initiate

Note that if they tell you to go to a website, then you are not really initiating that connection.

You might be safe if you Google the charity and do some research and then use a link that you've found yourself by searching. You must establish by yourself that the charity is legitimate and in line with your charitable giving objectives.

[ananda]

2. Agree.

nt

[thecrow]

3. I don't give my information out to ANYBODY who calls.

If I want to donate or buy something I initiate it myself.
Also I only use one credit card, and I have it locked down so any charges over $25 has to be raised by me.

[Squinch]

4. I never give any information over the phone. Just don't. Too many scams.

[rurallib]

5. nope - never way too dangerous

[cloudbase]

6. I tell them that I'll check them out,

including their IRS form 990, and then make a decision about donating.

Never give a cold caller any personal or financial information.

[dixiegrrrrl]

7. I ask for their agency phone #

and tell them I will check them out, and return their call if I decide to donate.
After saying that, no matter what they say next, or how often they say it, I repeat the sentence.
By the 4th or 5th time, they hang up.