Charity Scam Awareness
Friendly Introduction
Hello and welcome to Scam Wise ! This newsletter is all about charity – and unfortunately, the scammers who prey on our goodwill. When disaster strikes or the holidays arrive, many of us open our hearts and wallets to help those in need. Scammers know this and are ready with fake charities, donation scams, and impostor fundraising appeals. In this issue, we’ll show you how to give safely . Our tone is supportive because giving back is a beautiful thing – we just want to ensure your generosity truly reaches the right people. Let’s dive into practical tips and real examples to keep the “charity” in charity and the scams out.
Practical Tips for Safe Giving
- Research Before You Donate: Before giving to any charity (especially a new or urgent cause), take a few minutes to verify the organization. Check resources like the BBB Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org) or Charity Navigator to see if the charity is legitimate and well-rated. Legit charities will also be registered non-profits – in the U.S., you can find them in the IRS tax-exempt organization search.
- Be Wary of Emotional Appeals: Scammers often capitalize on current tragedies – floods, fires, or personal hardship stories – to tug your heartstrings. They might use real photos from news but direct you to a fake donation page. Don’t let urgency cloud judgement. It’s okay to feel moved, but always pause and verify. Legitimate relief funds will have official websites or known platforms (like Red Cross, GoFundMe’s verified hub, etc.).
- No Gift Cards or Crypto Donations: Be skeptical if a charity or person asks for donations via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. Real charities typically use traceable methods (credit card, check, official online portal). Scammers like untraceable payments. Also, never make a donation by giving someone access to your bank account – a true charity won’t need your banking login or routing number directly.
- Initiate the Contact: Wherever possible, donate by going to the source . For example, if you get a message about a disaster fund, navigate to that charity’s official website yourself (don’t just click the link in the message). If someone calls for a police or firefighter “charity,” politely say you’ll call back, then find the department’s official number to confirm if the fundraiser is real. Taking control of the donation process ensures you’re not sending money into a black hole.
- Be Careful on Social Media: Social platforms are rife with personal pleas and crowdfunding campaigns. Many are genuine – but scammers create fake Facebook pages or GoFundMe campaigns using stolen photos or made-up stories. If you see a friend share a fundraiser, check whether it’s verified by the platform (GoFundMe has verified fund hubs for major events). For individual pleas, consider reaching out to that person via another channel to confirm their story. It’s not rude – it’s responsible.
Real-Life Scenario: Fake Fundraiser Exploits Disaster
After devastating flash floods hit Texas in 2025, support poured in – over $10 million raised on GoFundMe for victims. Unfortunately, scammers tried to siphon some of that goodwill. In one case, an Ontario mother was horrified to find a photo of her six children being used in a phony GoFundMe page for Texas flood relief. The scammer lifted her family’s picture to craft a heart-wrenching (but false) story of a widowed mom with six kids who “lost their home.” They aimed to raise $40,000 off strangers’ generosity. Thankfully, a friend alerted the real mom, who got the fraudulent fundraiser taken down before it received donations. This real-life example shows the lengths scammers will go – stealing personal photos and inventing victims – to tug at your heart and wallet. Takeaway: If you see a fundraiser for a disaster, prefer those endorsed by official sources or known families, and be cautious with random viral pleas.
Scam Radar: AI-Enhanced Charity Scams
Trending on the Scam Radar are “high-tech” charity scams. Fraudsters are now using artificial intelligence to boost their con games. For example, scammers can send robocalls or deepfake videos impersonating real officials or celebrities, urging you to donate. The Washington Post noted a case where impostors used AI to mimic a U.S. Senator’s voice in messages to make their scam seem credible. We’re also seeing personalized scam emails that read like genuine charity appeals, complete with AI-generated logos or even fake charity websites that look professional. It’s underreported, but growing: by using AI, scammers make their pitches more believable and widespread at scale. Stay alert: Even if a voicemail sounds like a famous person or an email looks polished, verify independently. Call the organization or check multiple sources before you give. In the end, your donation should reach real people, not an AI-crafted illusion.
Aura – Protect Your Identity When Giving
When you donate or engage in charity online, you may be entering personal and payment information. Aura can help ensure that generosity doesn’t lead to identity theft. Aura monitors your financial accounts and personal data, alerting you of any suspicious activity (for instance, if a scam charity tried to misuse your credit card or your info leaked in a data breach). Plus, Aura’s VPN and antivirus features keep your online transactions private and secure. The platform even includes identity theft insurance for peace of mind. CTA: Keep your kind heart safe – try Aura’s all-in-one digital security free for 14 days while you support the causes you care about!
Quick Takeaways
- Verify charities via independent sources (BBB, Charity Navigator) before donating to ensure they’re legitimate.
- Don’t let scammers guilt or pressure you. Real charities will accept donations anytime – urgency and high-pressure tactics are a red flag.
- Avoid unusual payment methods for donations (gift cards, Bitcoin). Stick to credit cards or official channels that have fraud protection.
- Scammers piggyback on disasters – from Texas floods to wildfires – by creating fake fundraisers. When in doubt, donate to established organizations on the ground.
- Tool Tip: Use Aura or similar security tools when engaging in online donations, to safeguard your identity and get alerts if anything’s amiss.