Donating money online can let you join forces with others to help people in need. Unfortunately, some individuals take advantage of people’s kindness and generosity to line their own pockets. Before you donate money online, make sure that you can trust the organization. Here are some ways to avoid becoming a victim of a fundraising scam.
Research the Group
If you’re thinking about donating to a charitable organization, do some research first to make sure that the group is legitimate. Scammers often set up fake charities with names that sound legitimate or that closely resemble the names of real organizations.
You may discover that a group that’s raising money was just recently created. If you can’t find much information about an organization’s history, be cautious. It might be a real group that was formed to help people in the wake of a recent tragedy, but it might also be a scam.
Be particularly careful if you’re thinking about donating money after a disaster, such as a flood or a hurricane. When large numbers of people are facing dire circumstances and others are eager to help, dishonest individuals see it as an excellent opportunity to set up fundraising scams.
Review Websites and Emails Carefully
If you visit an organization’s website or you receive an email requesting a donation, the content should be written in a way that’s clear and professional. If you notice a significant number of misspelled words or grammatical errors, or if the content is heavy on emotion and light on specific details, consider those red flags.
If you receive an email requesting a donation, don’t respond to the message or click on any links or attachments contained in the email. Instead, go directly to the organization’s website and do more research to figure out if the group is legitimate.
Don’t Let Your Emotions Cloud Your Judgment
When seeking donations, legitimate organizations frequently spur people to donate by highlighting the stories of individuals and families who are struggling. Scammers use that same strategy to trick people into handing over their money.
Don’t believe everything that you read. Look for information on a group and make sure that it’s legitimate before you donate. Be suspicious of an organization that pressures you to donate immediately.
Make a Donation With a Credit Card or Check
If you believe that an organization is legitimate and you decide to donate, use a credit card or send a check. You’ll have options if it turns out that the group isn’t what it claims to be. Don’t donate cash or gift cards or send money via a wire transfer. Be suspicious of any organization that asks you to.
