The subject of charitable giving is worth revisiting since even more organizations are out fund raising. Sadly, wolves are hiding among the sheep and often donations are being misused or wind up in the pockets of crooks. It pays to be cautious when giving. The only way you can be sure your contributions will benefit worthy causes is to inquire about the nature and activities of organizations and give to local charities as much as possible.

Some charities retain professional fund-raisers who are in business to make money and can legally keep a portion of what they collect. If you’re solicited, ask if the caller is a paid fund-raiser and what percentage of your donation the fund-raiser will keep. If you’re not comfortable with the amount being kept, you may want to consider other options of donating.

Whether charitable organizations use employees, volunteers, or professional fund-raisers, observe the following precautions to ensure that your donation benefits the people and organizations you want to help:

. Request written information, including the charity’s name, street address, and telephone number. A legitimate charity will have materials outlining their mission, how your donation will be used, and proof that your contribution is deductible.

. Require identification. Fund-raisers should identify themselves as such and name the charity for which they are soliciting. If the solicitor refuses, hang up and report the call to COMBAT, law enforcement officials, or the Attorney General.

. Call the charity to ask if it is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name. If not, you may be dealing with a crook.

. Beware of similar names. Phony charities use names that closely resemble those of legitimate organizations.

. 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.

Be aware of organizations that use meaningless terms to suggest they are tax exempt. Just because an organization has a “tax I.D. number” may not mean it is a charity. All organizations, profit or not, must have tax I.D. numbers. An invoice that says “keep this receipt for your records” doesn’t mean your donation is tax deductible.

. Be skeptical if you are thanked for a pledge you don’t remember making. If you have any doubt whether you made a pledge or contributed, 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 cover the charity’s administrative costs or fund-raising expenses?

. When buying merchandise or tickets for special events, or when receiving merchandise in exchange for giving, remember that these items cost money and generally are paid for out of your contribution, meaning less money may go to charitable programs.

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

. Avoid cash gifts. For security and tax record purposes, it’s best to pay by check. Use the official full name of the charity, not initials, on your check. If the charity is local, you can always call the United Way and ask if they are familiar with it. To sum up, don’t stop giving, just give wisely.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT/The Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization. For help or to request individual or business membership information write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.