The United Way of Moore County has issued a news release to make the community aware that an organization identifying itself as the “United Ways Charity Foundation” is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of the United Way of Moore County or any other United Way organization.

United Way of America has notified its affiliates that United Ways Charity Foundation is using the United Way name without permission.

United Way of America has informed local United Way affiliates that it believes United Ways Charity Foundation has intentionally designed its name and web address to confuse potential United Way contributors and obtain their bank account information for the purpose of receiving and transferring charitable contributions, according to a news release from the United Way of Moore County.

“We are advising contributors to call the local office to verify whether the solicitation is actually from us, and to please not give bank account or credit card information over the telephone,” said Executive Director Linda Pearson. “Hopefully, we won’t have this kind of activity in our area. United Way of America has reported the organization to the appropriate authorities.”