December 19, 2022
Remain cautious with your generosity.
The end of the year is a popular time for charities to raise donations. Charities will contact potential donors using several methods (phone, email, social networks, in-person), which creates multiple avenues for scammers to exploit. Scammers are looking to take advantage of your generosity, diverting your donation to benefit themselves.
Ask additional questions if a charity:
- Provides limited detailed information on identity, mission, costs, or how your donation will be used.
- Uses high-pressure tactics to encourage an immediate donation, without offering time to think and research.
- Asks for donations through methods in which funds cannot be recuperated. These methods include wires, cash, and mobile payment apps.
- Uses a name that closely resembles a reputable organization, attempting to trick donors.
- Appears out of the area and not local to you or the cause it claims to support.
Before you donate
- Confirm the charity is trustworthy. With with one of the organization linked below or, if affecting your local community, call the local agency they are impacting and ensure they are receiving financial support from the solicitor.
- Donate to charities via reputable, established methods.
- Avoid charities that are not regulated, are not a 501(c)(3) organization, and do not have proof that your donation is tax deductible.