Donating to charity is a rewarding way to support causes you believe in. And these days, you can do it with just a few clicks on your keyboard or taps on your phone. But you need to be vigilant when making an online donation. With the rise of digital giving, scammers have also adapted, making it difficult to discern legitimate organizations from fakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid online donation scams and ensure your money really does make a difference.
Key Points
• Before making an online donation, vet the organization using a charity watchdog site like Charity Navigator or Candid.
• Verify website legitimacy and security by checking for “https” in the URL and reading the privacy policies.
• Using a credit card provides added protection when making online donations.
• Be wary of pressure tactics and unsolicited requests for charitable donations.
• Avoid clicking on links or attachments or sharing them with your friends unless you know that the charity is real.
Research the Charity
Unfortunately, not all “charitable” organizations are legitimate. Many scammers market fake charities with real-sounding names and sophisticated websites and social media channels. Before you part with your money, it’s a good idea to vet the charity on a government or watchdog site. Here are four you can trust:
• Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance
• Candid
You can also use the IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search to verify the nonprofit status of any organization you are donating to.
As an additional safeguard, you may want to do an online search of the charity name with words such as “complaints” or “scams” to see if others have had issues when donating to the organization.
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Verify the Website’s Legitimacy
Online scammers sometimes create fake sites to imitate legitimate charities. Here are some quick ways to verify that you’re donating on an authentic website:
Check for HTTPS and Privacy Policies
A real nonprofit organization will have a website with “https” (not “http”) at the start of the site’s URL, This signifies that the website is secure and that payment data will be encrypted and securely transmitted. In addition, most charity web addresses end with .org and not .com.
Another way to verify a website is legitimate is to look for the site’s privacy policies. Real nonprofit organizations are typically transparent about how they collect, use, and protect your information. If a website lacks these explanations or has a poorly written privacy policy, it could be a red flag.
Look for Secure Payment Methods
Before making an online donation, you’ll want to make sure the site offers reputable and secure payment processing options. Trusted charities typically offer credit card payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or other well-known processors. Be wary of any charity sites that only accept unconventional payment methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto assets. Requests for these hard-to-trace forms of payment are a hallmark of fraudsters.
Be Cautious of Unsolicited Requests
While real charities may reach out asking for donations, they’re usually ones you’ve given to in the past. Legitimate nonprofits typically do not use emails or text to pursue first-time donors. Here are two common solicitation schemes to be aware of:
• Email donation scams: Scammers often disguise their emails to look like official charity communications. Look out for generic greetings, misspellings, or requests for personal details. If you receive an unsolicited email, avoid clicking on any links or attachments. Instead, go directly to the charity’s official website.
• Social media fraud: Fraudsters may set up fake profiles or ads claiming to raise funds for people in need. The fundraising page may even have photos of real people. However, the money you give to these scammers never reaches actual people in need. Be sure you only donate through verified charity sites, and be skeptical of individuals claiming to fundraise on behalf of established organizations.
Use Secure Payment Methods
Choosing the right payment method can add an extra layer of protection when donating online. Generally, credit cards are safer than debit cards, which pay directly from your checking account. If a fraudulent charge occurs, it’s often easier to dispute the charge and recoup your funds when you’ve paid with a credit card.
Another way to donate online safely is to use a charity-focused donation platform like JustGiving, GoFundMe Charity, or Donorbox. These platforms verify charities and typically have secure payment methods in place, making it safer for donors. They also provide an accessible, organized way to track your donations, which can be helpful for future reference.
Recommended: IRS Tax Deduction Rules
Keep Records of Your Donations
Whenever you make an online donation, it’s important to maintain good records and receipts of the transaction. This is for two main reasons:
• Tax purposes: If you’re eligible for charitable tax deductions, you’ll need proper documentation of each donation, including receipts and confirmation emails. This makes tax filing easier and ensures compliance with tax regulations.
• Ensuring accuracy: With good records, you can check to see that the correct amount was processed by the organization. If you notice an additional donation made from your card that you didn’t authorize, you’ll have the records to show how much you truly agreed to donate.
Be Wary of Pressure Tactics
Scammers often pop up during times of crisis like natural disasters or tragic events with requests of urgent support. Be wary of any charity that pressures you to make a donation right away. Genuine nonprofit groups typically give donors time to learn more about their organization, answer any questions they might have, and work on building relationships with donors — even when time is of the essence.
Recommended: Helpful Tips on Recovering From Being Scammed
Set Up Recurring Donations Carefully
If you find an organization you love and want to donate to regularly, you might want to set up recurring donations. If it’s a charity you’ve never given to in the past, however, it’s a good idea to start with a single donation. If everything goes smoothly, you can go ahead and set up a recurring donation. Just be sure the charity provides clear instructions on managing and canceling recurring payments and that you have the ability to easily cancel or alter your contributions at any point. It’s also a good idea to regularly review your bank statements to ensure that only authorized amounts are being charged.
Stay Informed About Current Scams
Unfortunately, online donation scams are always evolving. Charity scammers will often use recent emergencies and conflicts as opportunities to solicit money from concerned people. To stay updated on the latest charity scams, follow reports from trusted sources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and your state attorney general’s website. Being aware of current tactics can help you avoid falling victim to fraud, especially during times of crisis.
The Takeaway
Giving money to a charitable cause can make a real difference. However, there are scammers out there who may attempt to take advantage of your good nature by tricking you into donating to a fake charity. Fortunately, there are ways to beat them at their own game. Simple steps like vetting charities before you donate, verifying website security, and using secure payment methods, can help ensure your online donation goes directly to the causes you believe in and your money makes a real impact.
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FAQ
How can I verify an online charity is legitimate?
You can verify a charity is legitimate by looking it up on charity watchdog websites like Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, and the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. These sites offer reports and ratings on charities based on their transparency, finances, and accountability.
It’s also a good idea to check out the organization’s website and review the web address. Look out for slight misspelling in the nonprofit’s name and note the URL (a secure URL should begin with “https” rather than “http”).
Are there secure payment methods for online donations?
Yes, legitimate charities offer a way to make secure online donations. Look for a site with “https,” not “http,” in the URL (this means your financial information will be encrypted). It’s also a good idea to use a credit card, versus a debit card, for payment, since credit cards offer additional layers of fraud protection. You’ll want to avoid making an online donation via wire transfer, gift cards, or crypto assets — these hard-to-trace forms of payment are often preferred by scammers.
Can I get a tax receipt for online charitable donations?
Yes, legitimate charities typically provide a tax receipt for online donations. After donating, you should receive an emailed receipt containing the donation amount, date, and the charity’s tax ID. Be sure to save all online donation receipts. You’ll need them in order to claim any deductions at tax time.
Photo credit: iStock/jacoblund
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