Here we go into the spring season. Soon, newspapers will be packed with ads for spring cleanup and we’ll be sketching out our flower and vegetable gardens and waiting for the ground to thaw.

Also at this time of year, some of us will receive tax refunds and with this comes the inevitable “opportunity” on how to spend that money. A quick check with Maine Attorney General’s office provides us all some good advice.

Charitable solicitations are becoming ever more prevalent. Unfortunately, some solicitations are deceptive and bogus. Consumers should consider the following practical advice before donating to a charity:

Do not give cash. Always make contributions by check and make the check out to the charity, not to the individual collecting the donation.

Never give out a credit card number over the phone.

Keep records of all your donations (receipts, canceled checks, and bank statements) so you can document your charitable giving at tax time.

Before making a donation, check out the charitable organization with the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (207-624-8624), the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division (207-626-8849) or the Better Business Bureau (207-878-2715).

If you have access to the Internet, check out www.guidestar.org, which provides a 10-step guide to choosing a charity.

Do not give in to pressure to give money on the spot or allow a “runner” to pick up a contribution. The charity that needs your money today will welcome it just as much tomorrow.

Always request literature from phone solicitors. If they want your pledge first, hang up or ask for a number so you can call them back.

If you have a problem with a business, there are a number of ways you can file a consumer complaint or ask the Attorney General’s office a consumer questions. When they receive your message, they will determine whether it is suitable to refer to the Consumer Mediation Service. The Attorney General’s Consumer Mediation Service is a free service to Maine consumers who have a problem with a business.

Here is how you can contact them: Write a letter to Attorney General’s Consumer Information and Mediation Service, 6 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. They will respond as soon as your letter is received. You can call the Consumer Information and Mediation Service 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, at 207-626-8849 or toll-free at 800-436-2131. Unfortunately, the phones are often busy.

Each year more than 8,000 calls or letters are received. If the phone is busy, consider using one of these other options. You can use email at consumer.mediation@maine.gov. Due to the large number of consumer inquiries, they must limit email exchanges. Include your name, address and phone number, and you will be contacted.

And here’s a reminder: The Maine Lemon Law applies to vehicles in for repair before reaching 18,000 miles. The vehicle must still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and be less than 3 years old. You can contact the Maine Lemon Law Arbitration Program by email at lemon.law@maine.gov.

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.