If you’re asked to make a charitable donation to support victims of the bombing in Boston, consider these tips:

* Donate to charities you know and trust. Be alert for charities that seem to have sprung up overnight in connection with current events, like the bombing.

* Ask if a caller is a paid fundraiser, who they work for, and what percentage of your donation goes to the charity and to the fundraiser. If you don’t get a clear answer — or if you don’t like the answer you get — consider donating to a different organization.

* Don’t give out personal or financial information — including your credit card or bank account number — unless you know the charity is reputable.

* Never send cash: you can’t be sure the organization will receive your donation, and you won’t have a record for tax purposes.

* Check out the charity with the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar.

* Find out if the charity or fundraiser must be registered in your state by contacting the National Association of State Charity Officials.

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