Jan. 23, 2013 -- Are you getting unsolicited phone calls asking for donations to help in storm relief efforts?
Are you receiving e-mails asking for donations to help end gun violence?
Are telemarketers calling you and asking for contributions to little known charities?
Unfortunately with every tragic event, there are unscrupulous individuals who will take advantage of the good nature of others, warns the Department of Consumer Protection.
Remember that unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails should be ignored. Don't open any e-mail if you are not sure of its source and never provide any personal information to "cold" callers.
If you receive a robocall from an unknown group, don't press 1 or 0 to speak to a live operator or to get your number off the calling list. If you respond by pressing one of the numbers, it will probably just lead to more robocalls.
The Do Not Call Registry helps to limit the number of calls you receive, but won't stop every call. Using your phone's caller id and number blocking features will also help stop unwanted calls from telemarketers.