The holiday season inspires many of us to give back. It is a time when generosity is high and charities receive a large portion of their annual donations. Unfortunately, it is also a time when scammers try to take advantage of that goodwill. Knowing what to look for can help you stay safe while still supporting the causes you care about.
Scammers often lean on high-pressure tactics. If someone claims a donation must be made immediately or tries to stir up intense emotion to rush your decision, take a step back. Legitimate charities welcome donations at any time and will never pressure you to give on the spot.
Before donating, look up the organization on an independent source like Charity Navigator, the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search, or the charity’s official website. Make sure the name matches exactly, since scammers sometimes create look-alike names to confuse people. If you cannot find reliable information about the group, consider it a red flag.
If someone asks you to donate using gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps, stop right there. Reputable charities typically accept standard payment options like debit or credit cards. Scammers use hard-to-trace methods so they can disappear once they receive the money.
Holiday phishing emails and social posts can look incredibly convincing. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments unless you are absolutely sure the message is from a legitimate organization. A safer option is to visit the charity’s website by typing the address directly into your browser.
If you receive a call or text asking for a donation, hang up or ignore the message and contact the organization using a phone number from its official website. Scammers often pretend to be from well known charities, so it is important to verify the request before giving any personal information.
If something feels off, it is okay to pause. Scammers rely on people acting quickly. Taking even a minute to double check can protect you from losing money or compromising your personal information.
The holidays are a great time to support the missions and organizations you value most. With a few simple precautions, you can make sure your donation goes exactly where you intend it to. Staying alert helps protect not just your wallet, but also the impact your generosity can make in the community.
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