Charitable Giving Scams

Do your homework.

• A general web search results may include a fraudulent site designed to look like a legitimate charity's website. So, how can you determine if a site is valid? Start by examining the web address. Most nonprofit web addresses end with .org and not .com. Avoid web addresses that end in a series of numbers, or sites often ask for detailed personal information such as your social security, date of birth, or bank account and PIN information. Searching the name of the organization online - especially with the words "complaint(s)" or "scam"- is one way to learn about its reputation.
• Call the charity to find out if the organization is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name. The organization's development staff should be able to help you.
• Find out if the charity or fundraiser is registered in your state by contacting the National Association of State Charity Officials.
• Visit this Internal Revenue Service (IRS) webpage. (https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search) to find out which organizations are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
• Check the charity's website for evidence of the organization's commitment to accountability and transparency. Items of note would be a list of  the Charity’s staff and Board Members, a Form 990 , a Privacy Statement, or proof of the organization's 501(C) (3) status.

Be smart about responding to solicitations.

• Be skeptical of email solicitations from charities you have not heard of before or haven't, in some way, supported or contacted. Do not click links or open attachments in the email, as they may contain viruses. If you are interested in the organization and want to learn more about it, the best starting point is to check to see if it is rated and then contact the organization directly to learn more.
• As a rule, any organization requesting that you send funds to a foreign bank is a scam.
• On social media, pay attention to who is requesting donations and where the donations are being sent. Crowdsourcing campaigns can often be misdirected.
• Be wary of fundraisers who pressure you to contribute by phone. Never divulge your credit card, checking account, or any other personal identification information, such as a social security number, to someone soliciting you via the phone. Instead, ask the fundraiser to send you written information about the charity they represent and do some research on your own.