Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp is warning Georgia residents to be cautious as they consider holiday and end-of-year donations to charitable organizations.

It’s a word of advice that the Cedartown Police Department echoes as well.

“There’s not a month that goes by that we don’t get a call from a concerned resident over someone or some organization that’s been asking for money,” said Cedatown Police Captain Henry Runyan.

“It’s a very common issue and this type of fraud is at all levels, both local and national.”

His rule in a nutshell: Never give out your personal information over the phone or over email.

“That’s what we tell everyone, never give your social security number, your bank number or your credit card number to anyone.”

Runyan realizes that during this time of year, local charities launch strong campaigns for fundraising.

“In that case, if it’s a local group, then I tell people to ask for references. If they are a legitimate group, they should be more than happy to give you references of businesses and other individuals that they have worked with in the past.”

In fact, the state secretary’s office advises asking telephone solicitors to send requests in writing.

That bit of advice is also strongly encouraged by the police department as well.

“If you ask for it in writing, then a lot of times that’s enough to stop a fraud right there.”