Can you spare a donation? The caller says your money will benefit or employ the homeless and disabled. Telemarketing under the name Jobs for the Homeless, or JTH, this company solicits donations in exchange for products. However, this business —based in Tacoma and Fife — is not a charity.
Purportedly selling trash bags, light bulbs and other miscellaneous products by phone, Jobs for the Homeless has raised suspicion for its questionable business practices. Complainants contend that not only are products not delivered, but some continue to receive invoices asserting more donation money is owed. The registered owner David Archibald has failed to respond to four complaints filed with your BBB, and the company holds an “F” rating: www.bbb.org/western-washington/business-reviews/product-sales-via-telephone/jobs-for-the-homeless-in-tacoma-wa-22476974.
BBB serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington recommends the following:
• Charitable donations are voluntary. Don’t trust a soliciting charity that sends you invoices demanding past due payments. Legitimate charitable organizations should never pressure you to make an immediate contribution.
• Don’t donate impulsively. Give to organizations you know and trust. Retrieve the caller’s information including what charity they are calling from and their contact information. Look up them up online to match the information provided over the phone. If interested, contact the organization using contact information listed in a public directory.
• Check out the charity before making a donation. BBB provides comprehensive Charity Reports for free; find out more about charities at www.bbb.org/charity. Also, verify if a charity is properly registered with the Oregon Department of Justice: www.doj.state.or.us/charigroup.
Do not give out personal information. Never share your Social Security number, bank account number or mother’s maiden name to anyone soliciting over the telephone. To reduce telemarketing calls, register your number on the national Do Not Call list at
www.donotcall.gov or 1-888-382-1222.
Avoid paying in cash. Retain a receipt of your donation. Your contribution may be tax deductible.
About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses. The BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit www.bbb.org.
