Check before you donate: police

The Greater Sudbury Police Service is reminding the public to make sure that canvassers for charities are authorized to accept donations on behalf of the organization.

When in doubt, contact the charity and speak with a representative, stated a release from police. It is not sufficient to call the phone numbers provided because many of these organizations are closed on weekends and the can only be identified by way of answering machines.

Police advise citizens to leave a message for a representative to call back and hold off on making a donation. Obtain an address where the donation can be forwarded.

The same caution should be used when hiring a contractor, the police service advised.

Do not sign any contract or provide any cash down payment for work to be started, until it is known they are a legitimate company. All down payments should be provided by cheque, money order or bank draft.