We all like to do good things. Sometimes it can be confusing. Maine consumer protection officials are warning of bogus charities reported to be springing up after Hurricane Sandy and the school shootings in Connecticut. But you can easily check them out.

The Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation encourages people to check to make sure new charitable groups. Unknown charities, especially those that seem to quickly appear following a tragedy, might be a scam to play on your emotions and take your money.

You can check on whether a charity is authorized to raise money in Maine and whether disciplinary action has ever been taken against the organization.  Information about charitable solicitations is available on the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation and other Information and resources are also available from the Federal Trade Commission.

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