No mincing the difference between naughty and nice here. Charity scam artists can quickly take the cheer out of the holiday season for generous individuals, families and organizations looking to give.

A wide range of websites serves up tips and insights on how to avoid a charity scam, particularly during the holidays. Here is a sampling of sites with information that can help consumers avoid a holiday swindle.

AARP: Overview on how to watch for charity hoaxes during the holidays. Search for “holiday hoaxes” on http://www.aarp.org

Better Business Bureau: Offers five solid practices to prevent becoming a charity scam victim during the season of giving. http://www.bbb.org

Federal Trade Commission: Covers how to deal with a potential charity scam and how to spot the warning signs. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/charityfraud/

National Consumers League: Lists six tips to avoid a charity scam. http://www.fraud.org/tips/internet/charity.htm

Scambusters.org: Spotlights specific scams to avoid during the holiday season. http://www.scambusters.org/charityscams.html