---
title: Don't Get Caught in a Charity Scam
description: Giving to  charity, especially at this time of year, gives you a warm feeling. But be sure your money is actually going to a real charity, not to a scammer! Use a site like Charity Navigator to check
---

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# [Don't Get Caught in a Charity Scam](https://www.oregonianscu.com/financial-learning/blog/2024/11/27/dont-get-caught-in-a-charity-scam)

 Written by [Oregonians Credit Union](https://www.oregonianscu.com/financial-learning/blog/author/oregonianscreditunion) | Nov 27, 2024 4:00:00 PM

Sharing your blessings through charity is a wonderful way to give back. Unfortunately, though, scammers often hijack the kindness of charity-givers to get at their money and their information. Here’s what you need to know about charity scams.

**How the scams play out**

In a charity scam, a scammer or scam ring targets victims via phone call, advertising online or sending out mass emails. They pretend to represent a well-known charity or popular cause. They’ll ask the target to make a donation, and sometimes ask that they share personally identifiable information. Sadly, though, instead of these funds going to help a charity, they go into the scammer’s pockets. 

**Red flags**

Look out for these red flags to help you identify a charity scam:

- You’re asked to share personal information before you can make a donation.
- You’re pressured into making a donation *now.*
- When asked how your donation will be used, you get vague responses.
- An organization with a name closely resembling a well-known charity asks for a donation from you.
- An alleged charity will only accept donations by prepaid debit card or gift card.

**Protect yourself**

Follow these basic rules for giving safely:

- Give to established charities you know and trust. 
- When donating to a new charity, verify its authenticity on a charity-vetting site, like [Charity Navigator](http://www.charitynavigator.org/).
- Never click on embedded links or open email attachments coming from an unverified contact. 
- Directly contact the charity you wish to donate to on your own.
- Check the URL of the charity’s website for accurate spelling.
- When making a donation by phone, visit the charity’s website to ensure you have the correct number.
- Don’t share personally identifiable information with an unverified contact. 
- If you’re using text-to-donate, verify the number with the charity first.
- Make your donation with a credit card for strongest purchase protection.

**If you’ve been targeted**

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a charity scam, you can help law enforcement agencies catch the scammers. First, report the scam to the FBI at [tips.fbi.gov](https://tips.fbi.gov/). Next, alert the FTC at [FTC.gov](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/). Finally, if the scam involves financial aid for a recent natural disaster, report it to the [National Center for Disaster Fraud](https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud).

Follow the tips in this guide to help ensure you’re always giving safely.

[View full post](https://www.oregonianscu.com/financial-learning/blog/2024/11/27/dont-get-caught-in-a-charity-scam)

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