Avoiding Charitable Giving Scams This Holiday Season

December is a popular month for charitable giving. Between Giving Tuesday, the holiday spirit, and the year-end push for tax-deductible donations, many people feel inspired to give back.

Unfortunately, scammers know this too. They exploit this generosity with fake charities and deceptive tactics. Here are three practical ways to stay safe while making sure your donations go to the right cause.

#1 Research the Charity Before You Give

Use trusted resources like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to verify a charity’s legitimacy. On the charity's official website, look for clear information on how funds are used. Reputable charities are transparent about their mission, programs, and finances.

#2 Avoid Unsolicited Requests

Don’t trust donation links sent via email, text, or social media unless they come directly from a known and verified source. And, hang up on unsolicited phone calls asking for donations, especially if the caller seems evasive when asked for details.

Watch for copycat charities! Scammers create fake organizations with names or logos similar to legitimate ones to trick potential donors. Use Google to find the official, legitimate website for a charity if you want to donate.

#3 Use Secure Payment Methods

If you decide to donate, make sure to donate directly on the charity’s official website rather than through third-party links. Use a credit card or a secure online payment method. Many credit card companies offer fraud protection.

Avoid any charity asking for only cash, wire transfers, or gift cards—these are harder to trace and recover.

The holiday season is about spreading goodwill, but it’s also essential to protect yourself while giving back. This way, you can make an impact while keeping your finances safe.