There is considerable fraud among the growing number of so called “shalichim” purporting to represent all sorts of worthy mosdos (most of which we’ve never heard of or with generic names that sound similar to legitimate mosdos). Many arrive from EY with letters in laminated plastic in their hands claiming to have the endorsement from chashuve rabbonim , including some of the organizations established in willy, BP and Lakewood set up for the specific purpose of screening the frauds from the legitimate. Bottom line is that you roll the dice with these guys (I’ve never head a woman coming to schneur). We’ve generally adopted a policy of asking them for the website of the various mosdos and telling them we will donate directly online once we can verify the legitimacy of the site. We absolutely will not give a dime to someone claiming to be collecting on behalf of some individual or family that has encountered a tragedy unless we personally know the rav who has endorsed their funding effort. The many legitimate online sites (such as those advertising here on YWN) provide sufficient opportunity if you want to support those who have such needs. If you are fortunate enough to not have to worry about giving away money to fraudsters and scammers, than obviously feel free to do so.
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