Charity Scams

Before donating this holiday season, take time to verify charities and avoid scams designed to exploit your generosity.

Tis the season for giving to charities and organizations. However, have you considered that not all charities are the same? With scams and fraud around every corner of the world, how can you know if your charitable donations are going to legitimate sources that will ensure your donations are helping those in need? Fraudsters and scammers would love to have a chance to line their pockets this holiday season. Sources like CharityWatch.com can assist you with your decisions. Though it may be the giving season, for some, it has become the stealing season for others. Using verified charities can ensure that your hard-earned money is truly helping those you intended it for. It’s also suggested that you investigate how the funds are dispersed from the organization to ensure that help is being forwarded.

One simple way to protect yourself is to avoid making donations in response to high-pressure tactics, emotional pleas from unknown callers, or vague social media posts. Legitimate charities are transparent about their mission, spending, and contact information—so take a few moments to research before giving. A little caution goes a long way in making sure your generosity makes a real difference.