The holiday season is a time of generosity, reflection, and giving back. But unfortunately, it’s also a prime time for scammers to take advantage of your goodwill.
With so many donation requests flooding inboxes, social media feeds, and even text messages, it’s more important than ever to give wisely and protect yourself from charity scams.
Here’s how to make sure your donations go to real causes, not fraudsters.
Give to Charities You Know and Trust
Stick with organizations you’re familiar with or have personally vetted. Scammers often create fake charities with names that sound like well-known nonprofits. Before donating, double-check the name and website to make sure it’s legitimate.
Tip: Go directly to the charity’s official website to donate. Don’t click on links from emails, texts, or social media posts unless you’re absolutely sure they’re authentic.
Do Your Research
If a donation request comes out of the blue — especially after a crisis or disaster — take a moment to investigate. Search the organization’s name along with keywords like “complaint,” “review,” “rating,” or “scam.”
You can also verify legitimacy through trusted watchdog sites:
- BBB Wise Giving Alliance: https://give.org
- Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org
- CharityWatch: https://www.charitywatch.org
- Candid (formerly GuideStar and Foundation Center): https://candid.org
Be Careful with Text-to-Donate Campaigns
Text-to-donate can be convenient, but it’s also a common scam tactic. Before sending a donation via text, confirm the number directly with the charity. If it’s not listed on their official website, don’t use it.
Crowdfunding with Caution
Crowdfunding platforms can be powerful tools for good, but they’re also vulnerable to fraud. Some scammers pose as individuals in need or claim to be collecting for a cause, only to pocket the money.
If you want to help through crowdfunding:
- Give only to people you personally know and trust.
- Review the platform’s policies. Some sites vet campaigns after major disasters; others don’t.
- Avoid campaigns that pressure you to act quickly or pay in unusual ways.
Choose Safe Payment Methods
Scammers often insist on payment via:
- Cash
- Gift cards
- Wire transfers
- Cryptocurrency
These methods are hard to trace and nearly impossible to recover. Instead, use a credit card or check, which offer more protection and can be disputed if something goes wrong.
Ask Smart Questions
Before donating, ask:
- How will my donation be used?
- What percentage goes directly to the cause?
- Is the organization transparent about its finances?
If the answers are vague or evasive, that’s a red flag.
Final Thought: Give with Heart and Smarts
Your generosity can make a real difference this season. By staying informed and cautious, you’ll ensure your donations support the causes you care about, not scammers looking to exploit your kindness.
For more tips on safe giving, visit ftc.gov/charity.