Be on the lookout for some common red flags in solicitations, whether delivered by mail, by telephone or in person.

• Appeals that arrive through the mail should not be disguised as invoices or bills. In addition, don’t be intimidated by mailgrams or envelopes marked “urgent” or “immediate.” Make sure to scrutinize any type of request carefully. If you get a telephone fund–raising pitch or mailing, be certain the charity spells out exactly what it plans to do with your money.
• Unordered items—key rings, stamps, return address labels, pens—that come with an appeal are yours to keep. The law says you’re under no obligation to pay for or return such merchandise.
• Sweepstakes offers should disclose that you don’t have to contribute to be eligible to win prizes.
• If you buy candy, magazines, cards or tickets to a dinner or show, keep in mind that you may not deduct the full amount paid for the item. Generally, you can only deduct the portion that exceeds the item’s fair market value. The organization should be able to tell you how much that is.
• Don’t be pressured into giving money on the spot or allowing someone to come right over to pick up your contribution.