Tis the season for giving

View from my hometown back in RI

I am one of the fortunate ones.

While I am not a millionairess, I have food on my plate, a roof over my head and except for a few ailments I am healthy.  When I have extra, I try to do what I can to help. There are charities that are dear to my heart (breast cancer – because my mom passed from the disease, and children’s charities). The problem is, how do you KNOW which causes are GOOD and which are SCAMS?

Donating online is EASY, but how do you know it’s SAFE?

Just open your inbox and if you’re like me there will be a FLOOD of requests. There are some that are easy to figure out (anything from a Nigerian Prince gets tossed), but some may LOOK legitimate but I’m never quite sure if they’re from the REAL charity or someone POSING as the charity. As the holidays approach I’m seeing more and more requests in my in-box, and since I don’t have a lot of people to buy gifts for, I like to take the money that I’d have normally spent and GIVE.

I SHOULD know what the REAL site looks like

But, scammers are getting more and more creative. I’ve been to sites that I was SURE were the real thing, but after comparing details (like the URL, or where an e-mail is sent from), there were times that I really wasn’t POSITIVE.

Thankfully LifeLock allows me the security I need

LifeLock REGULARLY scans known criminal websites for illegal selling of my personal information and looks for the opening of new checking and savings accounts in my name. This means that they’re checking on my security whether I’m buying groceries, a new pair of shoes or donating to a favorite charity.

It’s OCTOBER – Breast Cancer Awareness month

I’ve made my donations. I do it yearly, and I hope that you will as well. Early detection is so important, and empowering women with the knowledge of self exam and mammograms are key. While you may have another charitable cause that you’re passionate about, I hope that you take the time to donate. Charities need our help. The downturn in the economy has meant less donations over all and even if all you can afford $1.00 it can make a difference. If you’re not CERTAIN that the charity is on the up & up, a membership to LifeLock will help you feel secure.

Don’t forget to play the LifeLock for Life Game

Head to the LifeLock facebook page and enter to win. This months prizes include donations to your favorite charity.

This is a compensated program, all opinions are strictly my own.