MACON, Ga. — It's the holiday season and for many of us, this means hearing the ringing bells of Salvation Army volunteers.
Austin Sturdivant works with the Salvation Army. The organization hits close to home for him.
"Back in the late 60s, my mom was left in a box in a Salvation Army thrift store. My grandma happened to be a volunteer at the store. Took her in and raised her. If it weren't for the Salvation Army she wouldn't be here and I wouldn't," Sturdivant said.
He enjoys the work but knows during this time of year others may pose as the Salvation Army for their personal gain.
"You see it on a yearly basis. People will have a red bucket they painted. Then show up at a place acting like the Salvation Army," Sturdivant said.
According to the Better Business Bureau, this happens more often during the holidays.
"Typically we do see more people getting scammed during the holidays," CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia Kelvin Collins said.
Collins says scammers know people feel more inclined to give around this time.
"They want to take advantage of consumers when they are feeling charitable," he said.
Collins says to make sure you know who you're giving to and do your research on the organization.
"If you hear a charity that sounds familiar, but it's a little different than what you're giving to, then that's something to be cautious about," Collins said.
He also advises to avoid feeling like you have to give money right away.
When it comes to the Salvation Army, the kettle donations make a difference for the whole year, so you want to ensure your money gets into the right hands.
If you choose to donate to the Salvation Army, volunteers will have the Salvation Army apron, the logo on the sign, or even their specific QR code to make sure you're donating to the cause.
The Better Business Bureau has standards for charity accountability and resources to help you make sure your money gets to people who need it.