Be Alert And Do Research When Donating In Wyoming

There's a new organization sweeping across the country to help steer kids away from drugs and violence called L.E.A.D., and it may be a scam.

Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence.

The organization's mission is to help ensure law enforcement agencies have the means to partner with schools, community leaders, and families to stress the importance of resisting violence, drugs, and bullying.

The program sounds like it would benefit most communities around Wyoming. The problem is that there isn't enough information from sources other than the L.E.A.D. website to determine whether the organization is legitimate.

A social media search found pages that haven't been updated or maintained. Reviews from Reddit raise concerns from those who've been pressured into a donation.

When reading about the program, I think it sounds like it was introduced into schools decades ago.

In the 1980s, a program called D.A.R.E, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, was developed. It is still around and teaches kids how to avoid involvement with drugs, gangs, and violence. It sounds like the L.E.A.D. program is just a knock-off of D.A.R.E.

Could it be? Is it like buying a pair of blue jeans on the streets? You're not buying Levi's. You're buying Lavie's.

Some reports say the L.E.A.D. program is a cover-up for a multi-level marketing firm that may use the charity as their cover.

How can you spot a scam that's hiding as a charity?

Most people like to be able to help causes that are worthwhile and are doing good work. The IRS offers tips on choosing a proper charity for your donation.

Verify - Scammers frequently use names that sound familiar and like big-named charities to try and confuse people. You should always get as much information as you can.

Don't Give In - Scammers will pressure you to donate immediately. Legit charities are happy to receive donations anytime, so don't succumb to the pressure.

Don't give more than you need to - Scammers always seek more, whether information or money. Don't give your information out like you would cash.

Notice how you're asked to donate - Never work with charities that ask for gift cards or wire money. Use a credit card or personal check after you confirm the charity is legit.

There are programs designed to help you learn the legitimacy of a charity, too. Using the Tax Exempt Organization Search at IRS.GOV, you can see if the charity is actually what they say they are. It's essential to do your research to ensure you're not being scammed.

It's your money. You can decide where you want it donated; just do the research.