Donation Scams

So, let’s assume you have decided to give some money to charity. You are going to give away this money anyway, but why give it to a scamming scheme and not some cause in need? Nobody likes being taken for a ride so be careful when it comes to donations.

Donation scams pretend to be legitimate donating organizations. They can reach you via email, text message or even regular mail. Most scammers target current disasters or popular causes, such the Haiti earthquake. Here is a list of things you should follow if you want to donate a dinner to a starving kind and to a 300 pound criminal:

• Always double check the authenticity of the organization that has reached you. You can do this in the website of the Better Business Bureau or any other reputable institution. Or just Google it.
• If you are feeling pressed against the wall by the organization or they straight away ask for your bank account, the odds are that this is a scam.
• If you feel like donating, it is always to approach the big organizations like the American Red Cross of Doctors Without Borders or the UNICEF. They provide reliable and easy way to contribute virtually any cause.
• Request detailed information about the charity organization. You can ask them about their yearly financial statement or their mission or tax-exempt status. If you don’t receive an answer or it is a rather veiled, it is probably a scam.

Please remember that there are people and causes that could really use your financial help, so make sure you money end up in the right place.

Want to read more on the subject?