I'm always willing to put in some research to find a good charity. I know that doesn't work 100%, but normally if you see people doing real work in your community I think you can have some level of trust in them. Also, like I said, when you see a homeless person actually sleeping on a bench at night I believe they really need help. These scammers would never put in the effort to do that - they've got homes to go back to!

I do hear what you are saying though. I have started to think more about my own financial needs, and I've realized that I'm not so rich I should feel obligated to donate. That's something else I think a lot of people should realize. I've got my own problems I need money to deal with.