When emergencies, disasters, and tragedies happen, many people come together to form charities to help those who have been impacted. Sadly, charity scams pop up almost as quickly.
You’ll see them on Facebook, you’ll get them by e-mail, and even receive phone calls from the scum that prey on good-hearted people who want to help the survivors and families of deceased victims.
Charity scams have been around for a long time and come in many forms. Animal rescue, natural disasters, domestic abuse, starving children and hungry communities, or pick your favorite illness, especially cancer research. Any cause that compassionate people will join together to support can be exploited by scammers. The more heartfelt the cause, the easier it is for scammers to get people to part with their money.
Some people decide to never donate because of these scams. That is sad, because so often the relief really does make a difference to those affected by whatever the charities are set up to help with. So rather than not donate, here are some simple ways to keep from being fooled by these scum who scam good honest people trying to help others.
Verify The Organization Actually Exists
Google is our friend. You can quickly search to ensure the charity you want to donate to actually exists. Legitimate charities must be registered at the state or federal level. Look for complaints filed on-line. I tend to trust those filed with the Better Business Bureau over some of the other sites out there. Beware of Rip Off Reports, which tend to be set up as a scam themselves. Rip Off Reports will let anyone file anything about anyone or anything and then wants people or organizations to pay money to get the reports removed. Stick with the BBB or other reputable sites to check on charity organizations.
Ask Questions
This is especially helpful when you receive phone calls asking you to donate. You have the right to ask how funds will be used and spent. If you don’t like the answer, don’t give money. If you are like me, you want your money to make the most impact. That’s just smart.
Asking questions can also help you weed out scam artists. Most scammers have a script and prepared answers to common questions, and many have practice and sound quite convincing. Asking questions can raise some red flags. And once raised, don’t give, there are other places that can use your money honestly. Ask questions like:
- What is your full name?
- How long has the organization been operating?
- How long have you worked for the organization?
- What is the address of the charity?
- How will the funds be used?
- Ask about the charity’s registration.
Ask To Call Them Back
If it is a phone call solicitation, ask to call them back. If they agree, check the number. (You can do this with caller ID too.) Google the number and often you will find complaints against the number for scams. If you call back, does the person answer, does it seem professional?
With many scam phone calls you can tell fairly easily. I’ve even played with some of these people and had them yell at me to not call them any more. (See Talking to an IRS Telephone Scammer) I recommend you just don’t call back and if you do anything, report the number to authorities.
Recognize These Warning Signs
Scam artists rob people of a lot of money. They do this because they are good at what they do. Some are very good. If you are tricked, don’t feel too bad, many good people have been tricked by these scum. Here are some red flags to look out for:
- The person tries to pressure you into acting immediately.
- Wanting a wire transfer payment.
- Asking for PayPal payment.
- Links and E-mails that don’t match the company name.
- Requesting you provide personal information.
- Being Vague about the charity, its operation and how the funds will be spent.
Don’t Fall For It
Just say no! Delete the e-mail. Hang up the phone. If you want to help out, and I hope you do at times, research and look up reputable charities yourself. Don’t fall for unsolicited e-mails and phone calls.
Report Scams
If you think you have been the target of a scam, report it. You can report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at the FTC’s Complaint Assistant. Choose the appropriate category “Scams and Rip-Offs.” If you can’t find a scam description that fits your situation, choose “No Match Found” and the FTC will choose a category for you.
Charity Scams on NBC News:
I posted a blog regarding the Orlando Charity Scams after the tragic June 2016 shooting.