Giving Back Safely How to Avoid Charity Scams

• 12/20/2024

Sharing your blessings with charity is a wonderful way to spread kindness.

Unfortunately, some scammers take advantage of people’s generosity to steal money and personal information. Here’s how you can give safely and avoid falling for charity scams.

How Charity Scams Work

In a charity scam, a fraudster or scam group may reach out to you through phone calls, online ads, or mass emails. They’ll pretend to represent a well-known charity or cause, asking for donations or even personal details. Sadly, instead of helping those in need, the money ends up in the scammer’s pocket.

Watch for These Red Flags

Here are some signs that you might be dealing with a charity scam:

• You’re asked for personal information before you can donate.
• You’re pressured to donate quickly or on the spot.
• When you ask how your donation will be used, the answers are vague.
• A charity’s name closely resembles a well-known organization, but something feels off.
• The charity only accepts donations via prepaid cards or gift cards.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are some easy tips for giving safely:

• Donate to trusted charities you already know and support.
• Check out new charities using reliable sites like Charity Navigator to make sure they’re legit.
• Be cautious with emails or links from unfamiliar sources. It’s best not to click on them.
• Contact the charity directly to confirm any donation requests.
• Double-check the charity’s website URL for any spelling errors or oddities.
• Verify phone numbers on the charity’s official website before donating by phone.
• Don’t share your personal details with anyone you haven’t verified.
• If you’re donating by text, make sure the number is correct by checking with the charity.
• Use a credit card for donations, as it offers extra protection.

If You’ve Been Targeted

If you think you’ve encountered a charity scam, don’t worry—there are steps you can take to help catch the scammers:

• Report the scam to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.
• Alert your Credit Union.

By following these simple tips, you can give to the causes you care about while staying safe and avoiding scams.