JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi officials say people should be cautious before donating to charities that claim to help veterans.

Attorney General Jim Hood says Thursday that Mississippi residents are generous but need to make sure they are not donating to scam artists.

Hood and Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann are teaming up with the Federal Trade Commission and charity regulators in other states for “Operation Donate With Honor.”

The officials say people should research charities before giving money. Donors should find out a charity’s full name, website and physical address and ask what percentage of the gift will go to the cause instead of administration.

Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board director Stacey Pickering says fake charities can take advantage of the good will of people who want to help veterans.