After a few days (or weeks) of feverishly chasing down Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, holiday shoppers can take a needed break on Giving Tuesday to support their favorite charities and get the old karma back in alignment. Before sending in your money, though, make sure the charity is legitimate and not some scam.

                By                    Vance Cariaga

See: 5 Essential Tips for Spotting and Avoiding Online ScamsFind: Seniors Beware: Latest Social Security Scam Involves Downloading Malicious Phone App

A good place to start is by checking in with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which provides tips on how to research and identify the right charities. The organization has partnered with Give.org on the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, which provides reports on charities based on 20 standards for charitable accountability in four key areas: governance, results reporting, finances, and truthful and transparent communications.

“Holiday donations can make a real impact,” Art Taylor, president and CEO of BBB WGA, said in a press release. “Therefore, it’s critical that donors’ hard-earned dollars go to charities that operate ethically.”

To ensure those dollars go to the right place, here are some tips to help you avoid scams on Giving Tuesday:

  • Beware of similar names. Many charities have similar names — and fraudsters often set up fake charities that sound a lot like legit ones — so make sure you know the exact name of your charity before donating to it.
  • Scan the charity’s website carefully. According to the BBB, a responsible charity will include the following on its site: its mission and programs, measurable goals, concrete criteria on its achievements, and financial data. If you don’t see these, consider it a red flag.
  • Don’t make impulse donations to unfamiliar organizations. You’ll get a lot more donation requests over the holidays — along with more pressure to give immediately. But take your time to properly research the organization first, even if it takes a few days.
  • Check your state’s charity governing body. Many states require charities to register with the attorney general’s office before soliciting donations. Find the appropriate office in your state to learn if a charity is legitimate. You can find this information on the National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) website.
  • Research the charity’s tax status. Just because an organization claims to be a charity doesn’t mean it’s tax exempt. Those that aren’t tax exempt might not have the best record for ensuring their donations are used for the advertised purposes. You can find an organization’s tax status by using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search It’s also a good idea to make sure your contribution is tax deductible.