I don't carry cash so its not an issue. I normally just buy some of the donate-a-shape things a the grocery store or pet store instead. Normally one a month for up to $5. I know most bell ringers aren't allowed to dress like santa anymore.

I honestly don't understand what you mean. I mean, all Santa's are fake, so what are you saying? Do some work for charity or something-please give me a little more info.

what? all santas are fake!!!! dang, i got got! mom, dad, you lied to me!
;)

OutOfPocket - I mean that many will dress up as Santa, and false take money for charity, when in fact the only charity they are collecting for, is their own pocket.

That's a pretty low tactic. There are so many people who are in the charity mood at this time of year and so they are taking advantage of that good spirit.

Scummy.

I think what the OP meant was the santa's that are ringing bells or asking for donations....you know this occured to me a few years back...just how easy it would be to be a 'no good' santa....as previously mentioned people are generally in a charitiable mood around the holidays...I was upset when I learned in our community most of the bell ringers were just working off probation! yep, doing their community service work! and NOT heart felt volunteers as I had ''assumed''..bummer...and NO supervision (re: the kettle!) I stopped dropping coins in the kettle when I found this out!

When I donate, I do so through charities that I am familiar with and I am especially cautious during the Christmas season as many con artists come out of their hibernation in the festive season. So far I haven't fallen a victim to this scamA confidence game or other fraudulent scheme, especially for making a quick profit; .It's a shame that people could use the Christmas spirit as a pedestal to make a quick buck by scamming good hearted people.

This Christmas, we only saw one bell ringer, and that was on Christmas Eve. I guess it's been a hard year all around!

I guess it's just a risk that you run when you are generous with money, but it's just a good idea to donate to people and charities that you feel you can trust.

I would never give money to santa claus!
Maybe this is just not an issue from where i live!
Santa normally goes around giving kids stuff not the other way around so I would be very suspicious if this happened to me!