The holidays are upon us and that means con artists are using this time of year to their advantage. But we can take steps to avoid becoming victims.

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers says the holiday season is the time of year that many people want to give to charities. But it’s also the time of year when scammers take advantage of that giving spirit.

“Unfortunately, scammers posing as fake charities are waiting in the wings to take advantage of our good-intentioned donations,” he said.

But you can fight back. Here are a few tips for protecting your money against charity-related fraud:

• Never give your personal or financial information to anyone who calls on the telephone or comes to your door.
• Beware of charities that use an emotional “pitch,” or try to rush you into making a decision before you’re ready.
• Only participate in fundraising efforts undertaken by individuals or organizations you know and trust.
• Ask the charity to send you printed material via mail so you have time to review the organization and make an informed decision.
• Ask the charity for its registration number and verify that registration number with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office.

Before you give, research the charity through a third-party organization, such as www.checkthecharity.com, a public-private partnership to promote Colorado charities and inform and protect donors, Suthers says.

You can always call the Colorado Consumer Line at 1-800-222-4444 and select option 2 to speak with an AARP Foundation ElderWatch specialist if you need assistance in checking out a charity or to report a scam or fraud.

Be safe this holiday season, and remember to ask and check before you give.

[Photo: istock/leszekglasner]