Georgians Warned of Fraudulent Charitable Solicitations in Wake Of Terrorist Attacks
on New York, Washington D.C.

ATLANTA … Secretary of State Cathy Cox today warned Georgians to be wary of certain telemarketers claiming to be raising funds for the families, rescuers and victims of Tuesday’s terrorist attacks on New York and the Pentagon.

Earlier today New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani reported that American citizens, particularly the elderly, are being targeted by fraudulent telemarketers in an effort to exploit public sympathy for the thousands of victims of the attack.  The Mayor indicated such solicitations are widespread in New York, and other states have reported these illicit activities as well.  Any solicitation in Georgia by an unregistered charity is a violation of state law, Cox said.  The Secretary of State’s Securities Division regulates charitable solicitation activity in Georgia.

“Unfortunately, we have in the past had a rash of phony charitable solicitation schemes following major national tragedies, and today’s reports from New York and other states indicate that scam artists are again seeking to take advantage of the goodness of our fellow citizens,” Cox said.  “There are many legitimate organizations who will immediately put donated funds in the hands of those who need it.  But Georgians should exercise extreme caution in responding to charitable appeals - whether coming by phone, e-mail or over the Internet -- originating from any entity other than the major national charities identified as most directly involved in relief and assistance efforts,” Secretary Cox said. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided a listing of legitimate charities working to assist victims and their families in New York, Washington and elsewhere.  The list includes:

•       To give blood: 1-800-448-3543 (American Red Cross)

•       To make financial contributions: 1-800-HELP NOW (American Red Cross) and 1-800- SAL-ARMY (Salvation Army).  Other options include the New York State Central Donations Coordination Hotline at 1-800-801-8092 and, to assist New York City Firefighters directly, the New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund c/o Firehouse.com, 9658 Baltimore Ave, Suite 350, College Park, MD, 20740.  For more information on charitable options visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov.

•     To volunteer general services: 1-800-801-8092 (American Red Cross).

          Any Georgian who receives a suspicious charitable solicitation should immediately contact the Secretary of State’s Securities Division at 404-656-3920.