GET GEPHARDT

How to handle aggressive charity solicitors

Dec 18, 2024, 10:15 PM | Updated: 10:34 pm

MURRAY — Imagine walking out of a store only to be cornered by a pushy person trying to raise money for charity.

That’s what happened to a man I spoke to outside a store in Murray. He says that’s where someone jumped in front of his shopping cart, gave him the name of a charity, told him their mission was to help with teen bullying and insisted on an immediate donation.

“It was particularly aggressive,” the man said of his experience.

When he told the fundraiser he wanted time to think about it, he said he was guilt-tripped.

“I steer around to avoid him, and he yells out, ‘Don’t you have any kids!’”

Ironic for a charity that purports to stop bullying, right?

Not normal fundraising

“This is not normal fundraising,” said Bree Fowler, senior writer at CNET. “They’re (typical charities) not going to have a problem with you taking a beat, thinking about it.”

Indeed, aggressiveness can be a huge red flag, Fowler says.

“You should vet charities,” she said. “You need to be absolutely sure that you are dealing with a legitimate charity.”

Vetting is exactly what the man I spoke to did.

“I went to Charity Navigator and saw that they got a zero-star rating.”

He says he is glad he didn’t cave to the pressure applied on him by an aggressive fundraiser. So aggressive, he says, that he didn’t want to be identified in this story over concerns it would trigger an aggressive reaction from the guy asking for money.

Still, he wanted to share his experience.

“And then they’re – boom – they’re right in your face,” he said. “You haven’t had a chance to research that charity.”

Where you can vet a charity

Indeed, Charity Navigator is a good resource for vetting a charity. GuidesStar also provides a wealth of information about non-profit organizations, as does the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

Get Gephardt

Virginia and Bob Baird explain to KSL's Matt Gephardt how a woman at a store tricked Virginia into ...

Matt Gephardt

Utah shopper duped into buying $1,000 in baby formula in likely scam

There may be nothing which pulls the heartstrings like hearing about a baby who doesn't have anything to eat. Scammers are banking on it.

9 hours ago

Rehn says despite the her washer’s fifth breakdown, her extended warranty company will not pay ou...

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt helps Washington City woman who says her warranty won’t pay out for her unrepairable washer

When a Washington City woman's extended warranty refused to cover the cost to replace her broken-down washer, she decided to Get Gephardt.

1 day ago

Viewers have spotted UTA vans with plates from several states including California, Colorado and Mi...

Matt Gephardt

Why do some of UTA’s ‘On Demand’ vans have out-of-state plates?

There is something brow-raising taking place on Utah roads: People are noticing UTA vans driving around with out-of-state plates. It prompted some viewers to Get Gephardt to investigate.

2 days ago

Christopher Maxwell says the most difficult thing about conning Americans as a romance scammer was ...

Matt Gephardt

A former romance scammer reveals his secrets to KSL showing how he conned people out of thousands of dollars

A man who says he's a reformed romance scammer shares with KSL’s Matt Gephardt how he made targets fall in love with him.

6 days ago

FILE – If passed, HB57 would delay a homeowner's financial obligation for a solar system until th...

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Utah legislature considers stronger protections for residential solar customers

Utah lawmakers are mulling over a new bill that would give solar customers more protection.

7 days ago

The CFPB estimates its final rule barring lenders from considering medical debt will remove $49 bil...

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

What a new federal rule on medical debt will do and won’t do for consumers

The CFPB has issued new rules that will stop credit reporting agencies from sharing medical debt information with lenders which could remove as much as $49 billion of medical debts.

8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

How to handle aggressive charity solicitors