The recent tragedies such as the Michigan State University shooting or the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have left many people devastated and looking for ways to help. However, in times of crisis, scammers often exploit people’s generosity by setting up fake fundraising campaigns or charities that claim to support victims.
A charity scam typically involves a fraudster who poses as a legitimate charity or fundraiser and asks for donations from unsuspecting victims. These scammers often use emotional appeals or high-pressure tactics to solicit donations, and they often claim to support a popular cause or a recent tragedy to gain sympathy from potential victims.
Once the victim agrees to donate, the scammer may ask for personal information or payment through unsecured channels such as wire transfers or prepaid debit cards. In some cases, the scammer may even use a fake website or crowdfunding platform to collect donations. Unfortunately, these donations often never reach the intended recipients, and instead, they end up in the hands of scammers.
To ensure that your donations go to a legitimate organization or beneficiary to help those in need, BBB recommends following these tips:
• Before donating, research the organization or person you’re considering giving to. Check that they have a solid history of providing relief and are an established nonprofit. It could be a scam if you can’t find any information about their past efforts.
• Be wary of copycat fundraisers that mimic the names of established charities or crowdfunding sites. Donors should watch out for fundraisers that use generic language or lack specific details about their beneficiaries or intended use of the funds.
• Exercise caution when receiving unsolicited calls, emails, text messages, or social media messages requesting donations. Scammers often use emotional appeals or high-pressure tactics to elicit donations.
• Consider using crowdfunding sources like GoFundMe with caution. While they can be a good way to donate directly to victims, it can be difficult to know for sure if the money is going to the intended recipient. Be sure to find campaigns that have been verified by the platform before donating.
• Check vetting sites like https://www.bbb.org or https://www.charitynavigator.org to see if the charity you’re considering is reliable. Here you can evaluate the nonprofit’s information and find rated nonprofits that are currently responding to the issue at hand.
• Verify that the organization you want to donate to is registered with the IRS and that your donations to them are tax-deductible by using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization search at https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search.
Finally, if you want to learn more about how to donate wisely and avoid charity scams, visit our visit BBB Wise Giving Alliance’s website, https://www.give.org/.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your donations will go to the right place and make a real difference for those in need.
Reghan Winkler is executive director of the Better Business Bureau serving West Central Ohio. The BBB may be found on the Internet at bbb.org/us/oh/lima.
