National Consumer Protection Week Announcement # 9:
NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Focuses on
Transparency of Charities
NEWARK - The State Division of Consumer Affairs today launched a new online resource: a detailed, online listing of the "Top 10 Inquired About Charities in New Jersey," with details on how those charities use their funds, the charities' stated mission, and additional information.
The list, which will be updated bimonthly, is available at: www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/charity/inquired/.
Before consumers contribute to a charity, they should know how your money will be used. Consumers should also easily be able to access fundamental information about that charity, including its income and expenses. Our objective is to share this information with consumers, so they can make a more informed decision as to how much and to whom they may wish to give," Thomas R. Calcagni, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, said. "Our message to New Jersey's consumers is: Investigate before you donate."
The list highlights the ten charities that have generated the most calls from consumers to the Division's Charities Registration hotline during the most recent two-month period. The large number of calls received for any of the listed charities may be the result of a charity soliciting donations during a recent or ongoing campaign drive.
Consumers can turn to the State Division of Consumer Affairs' Directory of Registered Charities, at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/charity/chardir.htm , for information on the income and expenses reported by every charity registered to solicit funds in the State.
To obtain more detailed financial information by requesting a charity's annual filing information, consumers can call the Division's Charities Registration hotline, 973-504-6215, from 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays.
NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK (NCPW) is a coordinated campaign that encourages consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions. NCPW 2011 takes place March 6 through 12, 2011.
More information designed to help consumers protect themselves is offered free of charge at the State Division of Consumer Affairs NCPW website at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov. Information is also available at the official National Consumer Awareness Week website, www.NCPW.gov .
Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website, www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov, or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.
### |
