After hurricanes, wildfires and floods, fake charities appear fast. How to check a charity before you give.
After a hurricane, wildfire or flood, people want to help, and scammers move fast to take advantage. The FTC and IRS warn about fake charities, crowdfunding pages and messages that copy real relief organizations.
Signs to look for
- Pressure to give right now, or a thank-you for a donation you don't remember making
- Requests for payment by gift card, wire transfer, crypto or a payment app
- A name that sounds like a well-known charity, but isn't quite
- Unexpected texts, calls or social media messages asking for money
Give safely
- Go to the charity yourself by typing its web address, rather than clicking a link.
- Check the charity with the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search, or a charity rating site.
- Pay by credit card or check, and keep a record.
Got a donation request at work? Report it in Outlook using Report > Report phishing.
