PHONY CHARITY GIVING. During times of disaster, San Diegans have proven themselves to be very generous. Tragedies often stimulate the desire to help. But use your head as well as your heart when making a monetary contribution to a disaster-relief agency or charity. Be wary of so-called charities with unfamiliar names or "sound-alikes" with names that sound similar to recognizable emergency-relief organizations. Be aware that if, at the same time, several legitimate charities are asking for donations of money, phony charities are doing the same thing.

The Better Business Bureau advises us to be careful about appeals that dwell on the disaster but do not specify how donations will be used. Watch out for people coming to your front door, or calling you on the phone, saying they're collecting cash for fire victims. If a solicitor insists on cash ("because the victims need it right now"), think twice. If someone says they're representing a charity that you've never heard of, phone the BBB with any questions. If you feel pressure to give cash on-the-spot to a "runner" at your front door, don't do it. Don't be intimidated by hard-sell tactics. The best advice: ask lots of questions, ask for printed literature and send a check in the mail. The charity that needs your money today will need it just as much tomorrow.

BOGUS POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS FUND-RAISERS. Most police and fire departments are funded by your tax dollars. But, sometimes, law enforcement-related professional organizations or labor unions will use paid fund-raisers to solicit funds on their behalf. However, just because the words "police" or "firefighter" are in an organization's name does not necessarily mean that local police and firefighters will actually benefit from your contribution. Sometimes, fraudulent fund-raisers will create a law enforcement-sounding name to misrepresent as a bogus charity and then keep most of the money.

The BBB suggests if a telemarketer is asking you for money for a law enforcement agency, confirm the fund-raising campaign by phoning the agency's administrative offices (not 9-1-1). If a professional fund-raiser contacts you, determine how much of your contribution will be kept by the fund-raiser.

CONTRACTORS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE FIRE. Even if your home was not damaged by the fire, beware of unethical contractors coming to your home "just to make sure your house is safe from the next firestorm."

The BBB recommends selecting a reputable, ethical contractor after references are checked, state license and liability insurance are verified, written estimates are prepared and itemized lists are reviewed. Collect business cards and take your time to get competitive bids. Although you may be anxious to get things done, avoid acting in haste. Do not succumb to advanced-payment, high-pressure tactics, such as the price is only good for today. Never sign a blank contract. Checks should be made out to the business, not the individual selling the service. Make sure all oral promises are included in writing. Be suspicious if you're asked to pay for the entire job in advance. State law limits a down payment of no more than 10 percent of the repair cost or $1,000, whichever is less.