How can I verify if a charity is real?

Check Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. You can also verify tax-exempt status on the IRS website. Legitimate charities are transparent about their finances and operations.

Are GoFundMe campaigns safe to donate to?

While many crowdfunding campaigns are legitimate, fraud does occur. Look for detailed descriptions, updates, verified identities, and media coverage supporting the campaign's claims before donating.

What should I do if I donated to a fake charity?

Contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge. Report the fraudulent charity to your state attorney general, the FTC, and the National Center for Charitable Statistics.

Charity Scams: Identify Fake Charities & Donation Fraud

Overview

Charity scams exploit people's generosity, especially after natural disasters, during holiday seasons, or following tragic events. Scammers create fake charitable organizations with names similar to well-known charities, use emotional appeals to pressure donations, and pocket the money. Some operate fake crowdfunding campaigns or impersonate legitimate charity workers. Verifying charities before donating ensures your money reaches those who truly need help.

How This Scam Works

Scammers create organizations with names nearly identical to well-known charities, making it difficult to distinguish real from fake.

Unsolicited callers use high-pressure tactics and emotional stories to solicit immediate donations by phone, often requesting gift cards or wire transfers.

Fake crowdfunding campaigns on social media and fundraising platforms collect donations for fabricated causes or individuals.

Scammers impersonate charity workers going door-to-door, collecting cash donations and personal information.

Warning Signs

⚠Charity name closely resembles a well-known organization

⚠High-pressure tactics demanding immediate donations

⚠Requests for donations via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency

⚠Vague descriptions of how donations will be used

⚠Inability to provide tax ID number or proof of tax-exempt status

⚠Thank-you messages for donations you did not make

Real Scam Examples

These are examples of messages used in this type of scam.

Phone Call

Hi, I am calling from the National Veterans Relief Foundation. We are collecting donations for disabled veterans who need medical care. Can we count on you for a $100 donation today? We accept all major gift cards for your convenience.

Social Media Post

URGENT: My neighbor's family lost everything in a house fire. The kids have no clothes and the family has nowhere to go. Please donate to this GoFundMe to help them get back on their feet. Every dollar counts!

How to Protect Yourself

1Research before donating

Use Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org), GuideStar (guidestar.org), or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to verify the charity's legitimacy and financial health before donating.

2Donate directly through official websites

Type the charity's URL directly into your browser rather than clicking links in emails or social media posts.

3Never donate via gift cards or wire transfers

Legitimate charities accept checks, credit cards, and online payments through secure platforms. Gift card requests are always a scam.

4Ask for documentation

Request the charity's tax ID number and verify it on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool at irs.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Think you have received a scam like this?

Paste the suspicious message into our free AI-powered scam analyzer.

Check a Suspicious Message I Have Been Scammed

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