If someone approaches you for a donation (be it to support a local or overseas cause), he or she should be able to provide you with information on the fund-raising appeal, such as the purpose of the appeal; the beneficiaries and how the funds raised would be used.
You should probe further if the fund-raiser is unable to furnish details of the fund-raising appeal. In general, the following scenarios should raise some red flags :
Fund-raiser is ambiguous or unable to provide answers to queries on the fundraising (e.g. uses of funds received and name of the beneficiary)
Information provided is verified to be bogus
Charity or organisation is soliciting for donations without the relevant permit
Charity or organisation is conducting unlawful fundraising activities
Commercial or third-party fundraiser is unable to show proof that they are authorised by charity to raise funds
Fund-raiser is being aggressive or abusive
Donors are aware that large portion of the funds raised would be used to pay the fundraising expenses
There is reason to believe that the funds raised are being misused
If you believe that there is a contravention of the fund-raising regulations, please contact us via email: mccy_charities@mccy.gov.sg or use the online feedback form to provide the details.
If you would like to report on dubious fund-raising appeals conducted in publicly accessible places or from house to house, or those conducted without a valid license, you are advised to report the matter to the Police immediately.
Name of the organisation that is conducting the fundraising activity
Details of the event that triggered the reporting
Documents received in relation to the matter