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Get Street Smart about Charity Scams

There may be hundreds of worthy causes or organizations with legitimate needs that you've never come across, and the Internet is a great way to find them. That said, it's smart to look for these warning signs before giving to an unfamiliar online charity:

Suspicious Timing:

You should be wary of emails from unfamiliar sources and email addresses, especially in times of crisis. As the large number of scams following Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami proved, disasters bring con artists out of the woodwork. In the days following a natural disaster or crisis you also may receive legitimate emails, but this is primetime for emails from phishers that include links to phony, or "spoofed," charity Web sites. Fall for this trick and any account numbers or personal information you enter will be stolen.

Look-Alike Charities and Phishy Web sites:

Scammers will often give their “charity” a name reminiscent of a major organization's, or create a Web site with a similar style and Web address. Others will actually pretend to be well-known charities, setting up convincing counterfeit Web sites, even stealing images and logos from actual Web sites to look authentic. Pay close attention or you may end up donating to a thief. It always pays to verify the authenticity and Web address of a charity before giving.

All Emotion, Little Fact:

If an organization makes their fundraising appeal through dramatic, emotional stories and photographs, but gives little detail of how it will assist victims, be suspicious. Legitimate charities should supply written information regarding their organization’s mission, identity, budget, effectiveness, and the use of your contribution.

Too Much Pressure:

Be suspicious of high-pressure tactics that make you feel uncomfortable. In truth, national emergencies and natural disasters do often create an urgent need, so it's natural for organizations straining to bring help where it's needed most to pass on a note of urgency to their supporters. That said, phishers and other scammers tend to press beyond the bounds of what most legitimate charities would consider good taste.

Unsolicited Emails:

Emails aren't always what they seem. What appears to be a message from an organization you've supported for years could be a legitimate call for help, or a well-crafted fake. Since you can't be sure, the safest course of action is to never donate via a link that was supplied in an email. Giving online is safe, as long as you 1) visit your charity's Web site yourself, by typing their Web site into your Web browser and 2) send personal information only over a secure connection.

Unsafe Preferred Payment Methods:

Never send cash, and always make checks out to the organization, not the individual collecting the donation. If donating money online, use your credit card or a well-established payment service for maximum protection. See our Shopping Online section to learn more about your payment options.