By JIM KREIDLER
Consumer Education Specialist, Federal Trade Commission
Many communities are experiencing devastating losses from recent hurricanes, and no one knows how long it will take to recover. Maybe you’re considering donating to help people in those communities. But how can you avoid charity scams and make sure your donations go to the people who need them and not to a scammer?
Here’s how to avoid charity scams:
- Donate to charities you know and trust with a proven track record dealing with disasters.
- Research the organization yourself — especially if the donation request comes on social media. Check out the charity on the Better Business Bureau's (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, or Charity Watch. If the message was from a friend, ask them if they know the organization themselves.
- Find out exactly how much of your donation will go directly to the people the charity says it helps.
- Don’t donate to anyone who insists you must pay by cash, gift card, wiring money, or cryptocurrency. That’s how scammers tell you to pay. If you decide to donate, pay by credit card, which gives you more protections.
- Be cautious about giving to individuals on crowdfunding sites. The safest way to donate is giving to someone whose needs you trust and can check out. Check out the platform’s policies — does it take measures to verify postings asking for help after a disaster? Also, know that donating via crowdfunding is not tax deductible.
- Confirm the number before you text to donate. If you’re asked to donate by text, call the number on the charity’s website and confirm the number to donate by text is correct.
To learn more about how to donate safely, go to ftc.gov/charity. For advice to help you prepare for, deal with, and recover from severe weather and the scams that follow, check out ftc.gov/weatheremergencies.