When you’re considering making a donation to charity, it’s important to do your research to make sure you’re giving to a reputable organization. Unfortunately, there are scammers out there who will try to take advantage of your generosity by impersonating charities. Here are some of the most common types of charity scams.

Disaster Relief Charity Scams

There are many different legitimate disaster relief charities out there, each with their own specific focus. Some provide general relief and support, while others focus on a particular type of disaster, like hurricanes or earthquakes. Some charities also provide long-term support to help communities recover and rebuild after a disaster.

However, after a major disaster scammers will often set up fake charities to try to take advantage of people’s hardships and generosity. As people rush to donate to those in need, scammers rush to set up fake disaster relief charities in hopes of stealing money from unsuspecting individuals. They may contact you by phone, email, social media or in person. They may even come door to door.

If you’re going to donate to a disaster relief charity make sure you know the charity. If you’ve never heard of the charity before, do some research on them first. Ask these questions before you donate:

• Does the charity have a website that looks professional?
• Are they registered with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance?
• Do they have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
• Is the charity registered with the IRS?

If you’re not sure about a particular charity, you can always donate to a well-known and reputable disaster relief charity.

Veterans’ Charity Scams

There are many great veteran charities out there that provide vital assistance and support to those who have served our country. They help with a wide range of issues, from providing financial assistance to helping veterans find employment. They also offer a variety of other services, such as mental health support and housing assistance. These charities do incredibly important work and they rely on the generosity of donors to keep doing what they do.

Unfortunately, there are many scams targeting veterans and their families. Some scammers will pose as veterans’ charities in an attempt to get donations from those hoping to help veterans in need.  

There are a few things to look out for when you’re considering donating to a veterans’ charity: 

• Make sure you’re familiar with the charity and that it is legitimate. You can check out the charity’s website or contact them directly to get more information. 
• Be sure to donate directly to the charity rather than give to a third-party fundraiser
• Never give out personal information, such as your Social Security number or credit card number, to anyone claiming to be from a veterans’ charity. 

If you’re ever unsure about whether a veterans’ charity is legitimate, you can check out the Charity Navigator website, which provides ratings and information on many different charities. 

Children’s Charity Scams

There are many children’s charities out there doing great work to help vulnerable kids. These charities provide vital services like education, healthcare, and food assistance to children in need all over the world.

However, scammers often impersonate children’s charities and take advantage of the vulnerability of children. They may do this by setting up fake websites or social media accounts, or by emailing or calling people directly.

It’s important to be aware of these children’s charity scams so you can protect yourself and your money. Here are some tips to help you spot a children’s charity scam:

• Be suspicious of unsolicited requests for donations, especially if you’re contacted by phone or email. If you’re not familiar with the charity, do some research before you give.
• Be wary of charities that use emotional appeals or high-pressure tactics to get you to donate.
• Don’t give out personal information like your credit card number or Social Security number to anyone who asks for it.

Keep in mind that most legitimate charities will be happy to answer any questions you have about their work. If you’re unsure about a charity, contact them directly to ask about their work and how your donation will be used.

Conclusion

There are many great charities out there doing essential work to help people in need. However, there are also many charity scams that take advantage of people’s generosity. Be sure to do your research before you donate to a charity, and never give out personal information to someone you don’t know. If you’re ever unsure about a charity, contact them directly to ask about their work. You can also check out websites like Charity Navigator, which provide ratings and information on many different charities. 

By being aware of these scams and knowing how to spot them, you can help protect yourself and your money. And, most importantly, you can make sure your donation goes to a worthy cause.