It’s Giving Tuesday and now more than ever, charities are relying community donors to meet the increased need for their services across Wisconsin. As part of that, the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions are offering tips to help ensure your donations actually reach the organization of your choice. Scammers sometimes use phony websites and high-pressure pitches to gather funds for fake charities in an effort to steal money and personal information. DATCP and DFI reps say if you receive a phone call, email, or text from someone asking for a donation, do some additional research before giving. Don’t click on links or attachments in emails, text messages, or social media posts, or share information with senders you do not know. Also, watch for imposter website links or social media profiles. If you’re not familiar with the caller, ask for the name, address, and phone number of the organization, as well as how your donation will be used. Finally, you can always request a caller send you written material about the organization before you donate. You can visit the Wisconsin DFI’s webpage on charitable organizations, which includes tips for donors and a database of state-registered charitable organizations.