Online threats – charity fraud

Beware of Charity Fraud ‼
During times of crisis or giving, scammers may pose as charities to take advantage of your kindness. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
Recognizing Charity Scams:
Be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages from people claiming to represent charities, especially if they urge immediate donations.
Scammers often use names similar to well-known charities or create websites that look convincing.
Be wary if they demand donations via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency; legitimate charities rarely use these methods.
Pressure tactics like emotional stories, high urgency, or limited-time donation claims are common in scams.
How to Stay Safe:
Research before donating—verify the charity’s legitimacy by checking official charity databases or the organization’s website.
Look for transparency; reputable charities usually provide details on how funds will be used.
Avoid sharing personal or financial information unless you are confident in the charity’s legitimacy.
For online donations, use the charity’s official website rather than following links from messages or emails.
Consider reaching out to charities directly for donations instead of going through third parties.
If You Suspect Fraud:
Report the incident to local authorities and fraud reporting services.
Contact your bank to review transactions if you’ve provided financial information.
Notify friends and family to prevent them from falling victim to the same scam.
Your generosity makes a difference—make sure it goes to the right place! Protect yourself and give wisely.