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Oregon Consumer Protection Official Wishes You A Wary Christmas

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The holidays find people opening both their hearts and wallets to charitable causes.  But Oregon officials say to be wary of scammers who take advantage of yuletide sentiment.

Ellen Klem is the Oregon Department of Justice’s Director of Consumer Outreach and Education.  She says when people are hit up for a donation, it’s fine to research the charity online to see if they’re legit. 

Charity Navigator, GuideStar, Give.Org...those are excellent sources of information," Klem tells KLCC.

" I also like to tell people, if somebody shows up at your door and says that they’re there on behalf of a particular charity and they very look legitimate…give that charity a call to confirm that they really exist and that they’re aware of this particular fundraising effort.” 

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Klem says scammers tend to target older victims, as they are often alone, polite, and receptive to company. 

She says never to wire money or hand over cash, and if you think you’ve been cheated, to report it to state justice officials.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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