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Fake Charity and Donation Scams

People love to help. Scammers know this and make fake charities. A few checks make sure your gift lands where you intend.

Step by step

  1. Do not give on the spot. Take time.
  2. Look up the charity yourself. Use independent rating sites.
  3. Avoid gift cards and wire. Use a card or check.
  4. Beware of similar names. Copycat names are common.
  5. Keep records. For taxes and tracking.

What to expect

Expect emotional pitches after disasters or at holidays, often by phone, text or social media, with pressure to give right away and to pay by gift card or app.

Mistakes to avoid

Do not donate to someone who calls you cold. Avoid charities whose name resembles a famous one. Do not give your bank details to a stranger.

A good next step

Check a charity on an independent rating site and give through its official website.

How to give safely

  1. Decide in advance. Choose the causes you care about before anyone asks.
  2. Look the charity up yourself. Use independent rating sites and the charity's official website.
  3. Check the name carefully. Scam charities use names similar to well-known ones.
  4. Pay safely. Use a credit card or check made out to the charity, not to a person.
  5. Keep a record. Save receipts for taxes and for tracking.

Red flags

  • Pressure to donate immediately.
  • Requests for payment by gift card, wire or cash.
  • Vague answers about how funds are used.
  • Thanks for a pledge you do not remember making.
  • Calls right after a disaster from a charity you have never heard of.

Crowdfunding and social media

  • Check who is running the page and whether they are a verified organizer.
  • Look for updates and independent news coverage.
  • Donate directly through the platform and not by sending money privately.
  • Be cautious about requests from social media accounts you do not know.

A prompt you can copy

Type this into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini

Explain how to check whether a charity is legitimate before donating, in five steps.

Good to know. Pressure to give right now is a red flag.

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Common questions

Are crowdfunding pages safe?

Some are fine, but check who runs it.

Can I donate by phone?

Only if you made the call.

Can I ask the caller to send information?

Yes. A real charity will happily send information by mail.

Are donations tax deductible?

Only for qualified charities. Ask the charity and check your records.

What if I gave to a scam?

Contact your card company and report the scam to the FTC and your state attorney general.

Is it rude to say no?

No. You may give on your own terms.

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