Want to conquer your fears, prevent crime and reduce your chances of being a victim? The Florida Police Chiefs Association provides you with a gift givers' guide and suggests that you take these common-sense precautions before contributing to a charity:

Many people who are willing to help those in need, require information which will allow them to determine whether an organization is worthwhile and how their contributions will be spent.

TIPS FOR GIVING

• Don’t judge a charity based on an impressive sounding name. Some organizations names are very similar to other well-known organizations. Know who is asking you for money.

• Ask questions and do not contribute until you get answers that are satisfactory to you. Why is the group asking for a donation? What purpose does the group claim to serve?

• Be wary of emotional appeals. Be suspicious of organizations with only vague plans for dispersing the funds.

• Florida law gives you, the donor, the right to request and receive a copy of the organization's financial report before giving. Ask for it.

• Remember, you are not required to contribute money to enter a sweepstakes. Giving money will not enhance your chances of winning.

• Not all organizations soliciting money in the name of benevolence are true charities eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. Ask for the group's federal tax-exempt number. If the group does not have a tax-exempt number you will not be able to legitimately claim your contribution as a tax deduction.

• Many telephone appeals for funds are made by paid solicitors, not volunteers. The solicitors often work for a for-profit company hired by the organization. Telemarketing is expensive to conduct and this may result in substantial fund-raising costs.

• Free gifts given to donors may be an incentive to contribute, but they add to the organization's fund-raising costs. You can choose to donate directly to the organization and forgo the gift. The organization will then have a larger percentage of the contribution for its program.

• Every organization will have administrative and fund-raising costs. Organizations must spend money to raise money; most cannot function on volunteer help alone. Before contributing, examine the percentage of total revenue that goes for administrative costs, such as salaries and fund-raising efforts. Compare that amount with the percentage of revenue that goes for the organization's programs. Do the administration costs seem too high? Does the amount going toward the organization's programs seem appropriate? You should feel comfortable with the figures.

• Some solicitors use pressure tactics and may even offer to send a "runner" to pick up your money. Reputable organizations are just as happy to receive your gift tomorrow as today. Never give cash. Contribute by check that is payable only to the organization, not to an individual.

• Some organizations have 900 telephone numbers. When you call the number, the cost of the call is automatically billed to your telephone account. Make sure you know the cost of the call before dialing.

• Organizations soliciting contributions are required to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This registration is a way for you to get information about the organization. Registration does not ensure the reputability of an organization or group. All registered organizations are required by Florida law to include a statement to that effect in their literature. Look for it.

• If a group cannot show proof of registration with the state of Florida, report it to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by calling 1-800-HELPFLA (1-800-435-7352).

Remember, all organizations soliciting contributions in the State of Florida are required to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. However, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not approve or endorse specific organizations. Please contact them if you have a questions about a particular organization.

Many police agencies within the State of Florida have additional crime prevention tips and programs on their web pages. Click here to see if your local police department has a web page.

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