After natural disasters or community emergencies, scammers often set up fake charities or fundraising efforts to take advantage of people’s generosity. These schemes can appear legitimate and emotionally compelling, making them difficult to detect. This page explains how to verify a charity and donate safely to trusted organizations.
Scammers create fake charities that sound real and often mimic well-known organizations. They use emotional stories or high-pressure tactics to encourage quick donations. The money goes directly to the scammer, not to people in need. They may also collect your personal information for identity theft.
Always research the charity before donating.
Scammers create fake fundraising pages using stolen photos or fabricated stories. They often claim someone is ill, injured, or in immediate need. Because many people donate out of kindness, these scams can be very effective. The scammer keeps all the money and may use your personal information for further fraud.
Always confirm the campaign with the person or family involved before donating.
After natural disasters or local tragedies, scammers set up fake relief efforts to collect donations. They use dramatic stories and urgent pleas to seem legitimate. These scams appear most when people are eager to help quickly. Payment is usually requested through gift cards, wire transfers, or online apps.
Verify relief organizations before contributing.