August 21, 2013
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah ‐ Francine A. Giani, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, announced today that the Utah Division of Consumer Protection is asking the public to be on the lookout for possible wildfire‐related scams that may look to take advantage of Utah citizens’ trusting nature. While no reports of fire‐related charity scams have reached the Division of Consumer Protection to date, regulators are reminding the public to be wary of door‐to‐door solicitations for donations from groups you aren’t familiar with, contractors offering cut‐rate repair services or those who try to pressure you into a contract without getting the terms in writing.
“Sadly, Utah’s wildfires have left many property owners in a very vulnerable situation. Even though you may be in a hurry to make home repairs, don’t let others take advantage the second time around,” cautioned Francine A. Giani, “It just takes five minutes to make sure your contractor is licensed or to check that your donation is going to a charity registered with the State.”
Tips to avoid wildfire‐related Scams
Door‐to‐Door Service Offers
- Make sure any contractor offering fire repair services is licensed with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) at the following website; www.dopl.utah.gov or by calling (801) 530‐6626.
- Consumers may also check to see if the individual or company has faced prior disciplinary action at dopl.utah.gov
- Get any contract terms in writing. Don’t fall for high pressure sales tactics when someone shows up at your door promising cheap materials and labor.
Solicitations for donations to groups or charities
- Donate to charities with a track record and a history. Charities that spring up overnight may disappear just as quickly especially on the internet.
- Check out an organization before donating. Some phony charities use names, seals and logos that look or sound like those of respected, legitimate organizations.
- Do not send or give cash donations. For security and tax record purposes, it is best to pay by check made payable to the charity.
- Ask for a receipt showing the amount of your contribution.
- Be wary of promises of guaranteed sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution. You never have to give a donation to be eligible to win a sweepstakes.
- Call the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at (801) 530‐6601 to see whether the charity or fundraising organization has to be registered in Utah or log on to: consumerprotection.utah.gov
Additional Resources for Consumers
guidestar.org ‐ Guidestar
bbb.us/charity ‐ Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance
charitynavigator.org – Charity Navigator
charitywatch.org ‐ American Institute of Philanthropy
FTC public education materials in English: ftc.gov/charityfraud/
FTC public education materials in Español: ftc.gov/donaciones
For more information or to file a consumer complaint contact the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at (801) 530‐6601 or log on to; consumerprotection.utah.gov