Protect Yourself Against
Crowdfunding Scammers
In June 2015, the Federal Trade Commission settled its fi rst case involving
a project or venture that involves raising funds from numerous donors,
typically through online platforms. Since that fi rst case, many crowdfunding
remain vigilant before donating to causes via crowdfunding campaigns.
Many crowdfunding efforts are legitimate. However, consumers should
still take a cautious approach and exercise due diligence before donating
to such ventures.
• Confi rm credentials prior to donating. Consumer Reports notes that
crowdfunding sites verify that page creators have Facebook pages. However,
the existence of those pages alone does not mean a crowdfunding
effort is legitimate. In addition, the Better Business Bureau® notes that
some crowdfunding platforms do a better job of vetting projects and
postings than others. When visiting a creator’s Facebook page, look for
potential red fl ags. A page with a limited history that seems to have been
created right before the crowdfunding effort was started is a red fl ag.
• Learn more about the creator. A legitimate crowdfunding effort that’s
worthy of your donation should be transparent. Creators should be forthcoming
no experience is not necessarily a sign of a potential scam, but donors
may want to support operations that have the best chance at being successful,
so inexperience on the part of the creator should not be downplayed.
• Beware of emotional appeals. The BBB notes that scammers often rely
on emotional appeals, and these appeals imply a sense of urgency indicating
appeals and conduct their due diligence even if the page says the situation
is urgent.
• Donate via specialized crowdfunding websites. The BBB notes that
some crowdfunding sites are dedicated to specifi c types of fundraising
efforts, such as medical funding or projects focused on raising money for
education. According to the BBB, these sites are more likely to sniff out
scams than general crowdfunding sites that may have trouble keeping up
with the volume of new efforts and pages posted each day.
Crowdfunding can be a great way to raise money for a good cause. But
donors also must be diligent when vetting crowdfunding efforts to ensure
such projects are legitimate.
570305-1CROSSWORD
crowdfunding, a way for individuals and businesses to fi nance
scams have been uncovered and prosecuted, though donors must
about their backgrounds and their expertise in the fi eld. Little or
money is needed right away. Donors should be wary of such
ANSWERS
570187-1
SUDOKU
ANSWERS
AIR DUCT CLEANING DISINFECTING | RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL
Air Duct Cleaning
UNLIMITED VENTS
$9PER VENT
ONLY
total house package
We Power Brush + HEPA Vacuum the
ENTIRE Length of EVERY Duct Line
Main Trunks $25 each. Digital Before & After Photos.
Comm. Avail. Offer Not Valid on Previous Work.
Air Duct Cleaning
& Disinfecting*
$287
ONLY
unlimited vents |single system
We Power Brush + HEPA Vacuum + Disinfect
the ENTIRE Length of EVERY Duct Line
*Residential Only. Kills 99.9% of germs, bacteria & viruses
Reg. $349. Offer Not Valid on Previous Work.
Our Staff
Wear Masks
& Gloves on
EVERY Job.
Call Us BEFORE
Turning On Your HEAT!
WE ALSO OFFER:
• Blower Motor & A/C Coil Cleaning
• Ultra-Violet Light Air Purification Systems
• High-Efficiency, Permanent Air Filters
• Disinfectant Room Fogging
• Disinfect & Clean Whole House Surfaces
• Crawl Space Cleaning & Decontamination
• MOLD Removal & Remediation
GREENPRO CLEANING & RESTORATION
568838-1CR
Nassau #H-0104230000 | Suffolk #45005-H | NYS CMRC #00196 | USEPA #NAT-F199104-1 | Fully Insured & Licensed for Your Protection
Town Crier- October 22, 2020 Find Us Online at PennysaverPlus.com ! 317 Westbury-Old Westbury - Pg 15