(Photo By Flickr User jacinta lluch valero)

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time many organizations raise money for the cause through fundraisers, often selling “pink” themed items.

The Better Business Bureau is warning residents to keep an eye out for “pinkwashing” scams during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Organizations and businesses market “pink” products to support breast cancer charities, but the pink ribbon used to market products and fundraisers not officially licensed by anyone, leaving the door open for scammers who simply pocket the funds they raise.

In some cases, organizations only donate some of the proceeds from pink ribbon fundraisers and keep some of the profit.

Just a reminder, if funds are supposed to go toward a well known national charity, you can check to see if the business or organization is associated with that charity as a sponsor.

Another BBB recommendation is to research the business if you’re unsure or haven’t heard of it before.

You can check the rating and information for many local businesses on the BBB website at www.bbb.org.

(Information courtesy of WGEM-TV)