Make sure you understand which organization wants your money. For example, police departments do not solicit money over the phone; police unions do. Also, some charities have names that may sound confusingly similar to another charity's name.

Ask how your donation will be used. Make the caller be specific. If the answer is vague, be wary. You should be satisfied that your donation will support programs you think are worthwhile.

Ask where your donation will be used, especially if you prefer your donation to be used locally.

Ask who you are talking to. Get the name and write it down. If called for a police union, don't be fooled into thinking you are talking to a police officer.

If it is important to you, ask the caller if he or she is being paid to make the call. Connecticut law requires paid solicitors to tell you this without your having to ask but don't count on them doing so.

If it is important to you, ask what percentage of your donation the organization will receive. There is no bright line, above which is a good percentage and below which is bad. It is up to you to decide whether you feel comfortable with it.

Never agree over the phone to donate. Always ask for written information. But be careful, just because an organization sends you information doesn't mean you can automatically be comfortable with it. Read the material thoroughly. Does the organization clearly tell you what it does and precisely how it will spend your donation?

Always donate by check; never with cash.

Give with your mind, as well as your heart.

For more information, write to:

Public Charities Unit
c/o Office of the Attorney General
55 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106