Last week’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan may be prompting some of you to open your wallets to help those devastated by the disasters. But, as the FBI recently noted, not all charities that show up in your e-mail inbox are legitimate. The FBI issued a consumer warning shortly after the quake last week advising against giving credit card information or making wire transfers as the result of an unsolicited e-mail. As with any dealings with an organization you know little about, a healthy skepticism is urged. The FBI said con artists often play on the giving nature of others, and is asking consumers to do their “due diligence” before donating money to a charity/Brad Gary, All Points Bulletin/Lewiston Tribune.  More here.

Question: How can you tell whether a solicitation for money comes from a legitimate source or a scammer?