Ask Consumer 6: Giving Money to Charities

Tuesday, October 31st 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A concerned viewer called Consumer 6 to find out about a charity that asked her to donate money. The group is known as the Fondest Wish Foundation. Consumer 6 producers conducted an investigation, and here's what we learned.

The group uses a telemarketing company to raise money in the Tulsa area. The organization is based in Rochester, Michigan. -It says it raises money to make children's wishes come true. Consumer 6 contacted Tulsaâ€™s Better Business Bureau to find out more about the group, but the B-B-B couldn't give us any information. The Fondest Wish Foundation has ignored the B-B-B's requests for information for more than a year. The Better Business Bureau says that's a red flag.

Before you give money to any group, follow these guidelines from the Federal Trade Commission.

*Ask for written information including the charity's name, address, and telephone number.

*Call the charity and find out how it will use your donation. Ask for proof.

*Refuse high pressure appeals.

*Be wary of groups that guarantee you'll win a contest in exchange for a contribution.

*Call the state attorney general or the B-B-B if you believe an organization is making misleading solicitations.

If you have a question for Ask Consumer Six, you can call our tip line at 732-6111 or send an e-mail to dwhite@kotv.com.