Be aware of internet scams that involve email messages falsely claiming to be from the Foundation

BC Children’s Hospital Foundation is reminding the public to be aware of Internet scams that involve email messages falsely claiming to be from the Foundation.

Phishing attacks are more rampant than ever so take the time to consider the validity of the email.

Here are some important considerations:

• Don’t trust the display name – look at the actual address
• Look but don’t click – if the address looks strange, don’t click on it
• Don’t give up your personal information – we never ask for this by email
• Beware of any urgent or threatening language
• Don’t click on the attachment unless you’ve verified the source
• If you have any concerns, contact us to verify

We would also like to remind you that scams are not limited to email. They can happen through telephone and door-to-door scammers as well.

Please note: BC Children’s Hospital Foundation does participate door-to-door and telephone fundraising, but we encourage you to take the time to validate any calls or canvassers who approach you.

Our callers and door-to-door canvassers are courteous and committed to helping children throughout BC. If you have any concerns, please contact us immediately.

About Telefundraising

BC Children’s Hospital Foundation only contacts donors – current and past. Ongoing training is provided to our callers – many who are grandparents and parents of children who have been at the hospital. If you have any concerns about the validity of the call, please ask for a package to be mailed or contact us.

About our Door-to-Door Program

Several times a year, BC Children’s fundraisers work throughout the British Columbia, soliciting monthly donations. The aim of our door-to-door program is to only acquire monthly donors as part of our Sunshine Club. Anyone undertaking door-to-door fundraising on our behalf will have badges identifying them as representing BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Please note that our fundraisers will be equipped with iPads. Any data collected on the iPads is completely secure and immediately sent to a secure server. The information does not stay on the iPad, which ensures that your information remains secure and confidential.

BC Children’s Hospital Foundation operates two lotteries each year, Dream and Choices. We do not use door-to-door canvassers for our lottery operations.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of our programs, or a recent call or visit you had by someone claiming to be fundraising on behalf of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, please contact us at 604-875-2444.