Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino cautions residents who leave donations in collection bins to make sure the organizations behind those bins have good intentions.  Town officials have recently removed several illegally-placed bins after learning that donations were allegedly being improperly collected and sold for profit.

“It has recently come to our attention that some of these collection bins, many of which have appeared to be homemade, are possibly being used in an illegal and despicable fashion,” said Supervisor Saladino. “These wooden structures have been popping up in parking lots throughout our Town, with stencil lettering and no sign of legitimacy.  The Town Highway Department swiftly removed these illegal bins and caution residents to make certain they are donating to a legitimate, well-intentioned organization.”

While collections bins are not permitted in Town of Oyster Bay operated lots, some well-intentioned businesses that authorize such bins may not be aware of the recent increase in fraudulent bins.  Supervisor Saladino and the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs issue the following warning signs when it comes to illegitimate charities:

• Collection bins with no identification
• Overflowing, non-maintained donation bins
• Donations being requested over the phone
• Acknowledgement of a donation never made
• Requests for personal identification, including social security number

“As we approach the holiday season, we want residents to be certain that donations made out of the goodness of their hearts are going to the intended place,” added Supervisor Saladino.

Residents can determine if a charity is registered in New York State by visiting http://www.charitiesnys.com/RegistrySearch/search_charities.jsp or calling (212) 416-8401. To determine how charities spend donation monies, visit www.charitynavigator.org or www.charitywatch.org.