Scam Watch

The pitch: "We're calling to ask if you can help the poor victims of flooding and tornadoes in the Midwest."

The scam: What's sure to follow in the wake of natural disasters, besides visits by politicians? Charity scams. The Federal Trade Commission has issued a consumer alert to warn about the types of scams that have sprung up in the past after tragedies affecting large numbers of people. Many of these scams are perpetrated by telephone. Phone numbers on the national do-not-call list do not present a major obstacle to fraudsters because charities aren't covered by the ban. By pretending to be soliciting for a real charity, they have a better chance of striking up a conversation.

Prevention: The FTC has prepared a list of precautions to take if solicited by phone, mail or in person. Among the suggestions: Ask for the name of the charity if a telemarketer doesn't provide it promptly, call the main office of the charity before donating to make sure it's soliciting, don't provide credit card or bank account numbers before checking out a charity (especially one you haven't heard of before) and don't make cash gifts.

Info: The FTC checklist is at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt114.shtm.

-- David Colker