SMS verification service to sieve out bogus fundraisers

[PWNED]

SMS verification service to sieve out bogus fundraisers

POSTED: 13 May 2013 6:57 PM

File photo of mobile phone user

SINGAPORE: Acting Culture, Community and Youth Minister Lawrence Wong said the public can check if a fund-raising activity has a valid licence through an SMS verification service.

He was responding to Nominated MP Mary Liew's query in Parliament on existing enforcement measures against bogus fundraising activities and fundraisers.

Mr Wong said: "With this service, anyone who sends the SMS can receive details such as whether a valid licence has been issued. And if so, the name of the fund-raising organisation and the approved fund-raising period.

"Furthermore, through the charity portals fund-raising search facility, members of the public can obtain additional information such as the approved locations for the conduct of the fund-raising activity, as well as the purposes for which the funds will be raised."

Mr Wong added that should members of the public suspect any fraudulent fund-raising activity, they should report it to the authorities.

He said any bogus fund-raising activity is tantamount to cheating, and is a crime to be dealt with by the police.

- CNA/ac

 

[scroobal]

Bogus fund-raisers take in a small amount of money. Its valid licence holders such as NKF, Renci and City Harvest which are badly monitoring that take in millions. The govt should have a single website where very detailed accounts including salaries of office bearers, expenses incurred as well how much in every dollar donated actually gets into the hands of the needy.