Watch Out for Fake or Suspicious “Charity” Organizations

The holiday season also inspires generosity—and scammers know it. Fake charities often use emotional stories, stolen images, or official-sounding names to pressure people into giving quickly.

Here’s how to protect your donations:

Verify the organization before giving.Look up the charity on trusted databases such as Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. If you can’t find them, that’s a red flag.

Be wary of urgent or emotional pleas.Scammers often play on empathy: “Help a family tonight!” or “Donations doubled for the next hour!” Real charities don’t rely on guilt-driven countdowns.

Check how donations should be made.Legitimate nonprofits won’t ask for contributions through gift cards, personal Venmo accounts, cryptocurrency, or via links sent by random messages.

Beware of sound-alike names.Fake charities often choose names similar to well-known organizations—changing just one word or spelling. Always double-check that you’re donating to the correct entity.

Trust your instincts.If something feels off—poor grammar, vague mission statements, no clear website, or no transparency about where the money goes—walk away.

Guard Your Personal Information

Scammers also impersonate banks, delivery services, and government agencies to steal sensitive data. Protect yourself by following these simple rules:

• Never share your Social Security number, passwords, or account details in response to unsolicited calls, emails, or texts.

• If a message claims to be from your bank or another institution, contact them directly through verified channels—not the information provided in the message.

Staying safe this holiday season doesn’t require suspicion—just awareness. With a few thoughtful precautions, you can shop confidently, donate wisely, and enjoy the holidays with peace of mind.