How to Spot a Charity Scam

Scammers mimicking legitimate charities take advantage of a person’s goodwill to steal their money and identity. Charity scams not only harm the donor but also damage the credibility of legitimate organizations. Identifying the red flags of a charity scam is the best way to keep your identity and your money safe.

Here are some signs to look out for if you believe a charity may be a scam.

They Pressure You to Donate

Scammers will try to guilt or shame people into donating. They rush the sign-up process to keep an individual from asking questions that might expose their fraudulence. Real charities won’t push you into donating and have readily available information about their cause.

They Have Unusual Payment Methods

In this scenario, scammers will request payment through odd methods such as gift cards or wire transfers. Legitimate organizations will take payment through checks or credit cards. Never give any money to organizations that can’t provide you with a secure payment method for donations.

They Use Names Similar to Legitimate Charities

Scammers will use names similar to well-known charities to create a false sense of familiarity. Pay close attention to the charity’s website and the name before you donate. You can use extra precaution by checking online whether the charity is registered with the state or federal government.

Always do your research before donating to any charity. Catching these warning signs early will deter charity scammers and guarantee your donations go to honest causes.