Kathy Thibault of Cape Elizabeth learned the hard way that it pays to be cautious when donating to a charity. She contacted COMBAT after being solicited by two “sweet young girls” who claimed to represent the “Fund for Special Children” and had a nice brochure to “prove” it. Thibault has a big heart, and an autistic nephew, so she gave them $50 in cash.

But days later when she tried to visit their Web site, it didn’t exist. The address and telephone number they provided also proved to be false. Kathy had been taken by the sweeties.

After alerting authorities, she contacted COMBAT to see if we could do anything. Alas, we could not because the fund did not exist. What we can do, however, is to use Kathy’s example to warn others.

To ensure that your donations benefit the organizations you want to help, ask questions, demand proof of authenticity, give to local charities as much as possible, don’t give until you have checked the charity out, and by all means don’t pay by cash.

Request written information, including the charity’s name, street address and telephone number. A legitimate charity will have materials outlining their mission and how your donation will be used. Don’t be fooled by a fancy brochure – anyone can create a slick publication on a home computer.

And donors should require identification. Fund-raisers should carry identification naming the charity for which they are soliciting. If the solicitor refuses, say, “No thanks,” and report the encounter to law enforcement, the attorney general and COMBAT.

Donors also should call the charity (use the phone book – don’t just accept a number from the solicitor). Ask the charity if it is aware of and has authorized the solicitation.

Givers should be aware of similar names. Phony charities use names that closely resemble those of legitimate organizations.

Before giving, people should know the difference between “tax exempt” and “tax deductible.” Tax exempt means the organization doesn’t have to pay taxes. Tax deductible means you can deduct your contribution on your federal income tax return. An organization may be tax exempt, but your contribution may not be deductible. Ask for a receipt showing the amount of your contribution and stating that it is tax deductible.

It is wise to be wary of organizations that use meaningless terms to suggest they are tax exempt. Just because an organization has a tax identification number may not mean it is a charity. All organizations, profit or not, must have a tax identification number. An invoice that says, “Keep this receipt for your records” doesn’t mean your donation is tax deductible.

It is wise to be skeptical if you are thanked for a pledge you don’t remember making. If you have any doubt, check your records. Be on the alert for invoices claiming you’ve made a pledge when you know you haven’t. Unscrupulous solicitors use this approach to get your money.

Ask how your donation will be distributed. How much will go to the program you want to support, and how much will go to administrative costs or fund-raising expenses?

Donors should always refuse high-pressure appeals. Legitimate charities won’t push you to give on the spot.

Charities offering to send a courier to collect your donation should be refused.

Contributors should always beware of guaranteed sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution. You should never have to donate anything to be eligible to win.

Cash gifts should never be made. For security and tax record purposes, pay by check. Use the official name of the charity, not initials, on the check.

If the charity is local, you can always call the United Way and ask if they know of it. To sum up: Don’t stop giving, just give wisely.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT-Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization. Individual membership $25, business rates start at $125 (0-10 employees). For help and information write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.