Giving Tuesday Alert: Protect Your Donations From Scammers
Washington, D.C. – as Giving Tuesday approaches, the federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers to be vigilant against fraudulent charities seeking to exploit the season of giving. While many legitimate organizations will be reaching out for support, scammers are increasingly using refined tactics to steal your money.
The end of the year often sees a surge in donation requests via phone,text,and email. To ensure your contribution reaches the intended cause, the FTC recommends the following:
* Verify the charity’s Legitimacy: Before donating, confirm the charity’s exact name and conduct thorough research.Scammers often use names deceptively similar to well-known charities to mislead donors.
* Programme Spending Transparency: Contact the charity directly – or check its website – to determine what percentage of your donation will directly fund the programs you wish to support.
* Secure Payment Methods: The safest ways to donate are by credit card or check. Be wary of requests for payment via cryptocurrency, payment apps, gift cards, or wire transfers, as these are common red flags for scams.
* Examine Links Carefully: Pay close attention to who is requesting the donation and where the money is ultimately going, especially when encountering requests on social media. Crowdfunding pages send funds directly to the organizer, who may not be affiliated with the cause you intend to support.
If you suspect a charity is fraudulent, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
