Today is Giving Tuesday, John.

Charities play a vital role in our society, providing educational, religious, and civic resources that help maintain healthy communities.

As your Attorney General, I am tasked with supervising charities, and I am pleased to be able to assure you the vast majority of charities do excellent work.

At the same time, a handful take advantage of donors' good intentions.

So if you're considering making a contribution to a charity today, or any day — please do a little research.

To donate confidently to worthy and well-run organizations, follow these tips:

1. Do your research. Websites like charitynavigator.org, guidestar.org, and give.org highlight the mission, programs, the services an organization provides, and the percentage a charity actually spends on fulfilling its mission.
2. Check if your gift is tax-deductible. Most organizations with 501(c)(3) status qualify, so keep your receipt!
3. Avoid scams. Don't give in to pressure. Hang up the phone; shut the door; don't click on anything that seems suspicious.
4. Credible charities will give you time to decide whether and how much to contribute. Never wire money or contribute cash or gift cards to charities. Report suspected scams to the Attorney General's Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392.

Happy wise giving on Giving Tuesday!