Tips for Verifying Charities

Give Only to Charities You Know and Trust

Stick with established charities or organizations whose work you are already familiar with. Scammers often create fake charities after disasters to take advantage of generous donors.

Watch for Copycat Names

Fraudulent charities might adopt names similar to well-known organizations to trick people (for example, American Red Relief instead of American Red Cross). Take a moment to compare names carefully.

Check Official Charity Registrations

Before donating, verify the charity is registered. Use resources such as Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, or GiveWell, to verify organizations before donating.

Research the Charity Online

Search for the charity’s name along with keywords such as fraud, scam, or reviews. Trusted sources – news articles, watchdog sites, and consumer protection pages – can help you assess credibility.

Be Careful with Crowdfunding Campaigns

Crowdfunding is often used to launch fake disaster-relief appeals. To stay safe:

  • Confirm who created the fundraiser. 
  • Reverse-search images; scammers often use stolen photos. 
  • Make sure the funds go to a verified individual or organization.

Avoid Untraceable Payment Methods

Legitimate charities will never demand donations using gift cards, payment apps, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or other untraceable methods. Use credit cards or checks instead. They provide fraud protection and documentation.

Check the Website Carefully

Make sure the charity’s website is secure and legitimate:

  • Look for https:// in the web address. 
  • Many legitimate charities use .org domains, but always verify the organization independently rather than relying on the domain alone. 
  • Avoid opening links in unsolicited messages; type the charity’s URL into your browser address bar.

Be Skeptical of Emotional Appeals and Urgent Pressure

Scam charities often use dramatic images, heartbreaking stories, or limited-time matching donation claims to pressure you. Legitimate charities do not rely on extreme emotional manipulation or urgency tactics.

Confirm Communication Is Legitimate

If you receive a call, text, or message asking you to donate:

  • Hang up and go directly to the charity’s official website. 
  • Don’t trust caller ID – scammers can spoof phone numbers. 
  • Ignore messages asking for login credentials or personal information.
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