How to Avoid Charity Scams: Protect Yourself from Fake Disaster Relief Donations
Don't be a victim of a scam
Americans lose tens of millions of dollars every year to fake charities and disaster relief scams. Learn how to give safely, spot the warning signs, and report charity fraud if it happens to you.
- Estimated reading time
- 5 minutes
- Written by
- Published
- January 1, 2020
Each year, Americans lose tens of millions of dollars to fraudulent charities and disaster relief scams, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). These scams don't just steal money from generous people — they exploit moments of crisis, diverting funds away from those who truly need help, and often expose victims to identity theft in the process.
Scammers frequently take advantage of natural disasters, humanitarian crises, or high-profile tragedies by creating fake charities or impersonating legitimate ones. Their goal is simple: pressure people to give quickly, before they have time to verify where their money is going.
FBI Anti-Scam Tips for Donating Safely
The FBI recommends the following steps to protect yourself and your loved ones:
FBI Anti-Scam Tips for Donating Safely
- Only donate to established charities you trust. If the organization is unfamiliar, research it before giving.
- Watch for copycat names that sound similar to well-known charities.
- Be cautious of newly created charities tied to major disasters or headlines.
- Review a charity's track record with the Federal Trade Commission at consumer.ftc.gov.
- Donate by check or credit card. Avoid cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
- Never click links or open attachments from unfamiliar senders.
- Don't respond to unsolicited texts, calls, or emails asking for donations.
- Look for .org at the end of a charity's website address, though this alone is not proof.
What To Do If You Experience Charity Fraud
If you believe you've been targeted or victimized, act quickly:
What To Do If You Experience Charity Fraud
- Contact your bank immediately. Financial institutions are experienced with fraud and may help stop further losses.
- Report the scam to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
- Report disaster-related scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at the U.S. Department of Justice.
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Notify your local law enforcement agency.
- Contact your state's Attorney General.
- File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
- Notify the credit bureaus if personal information was shared, so they can place fraud alerts on your credit reports.
Most Importantly: Don't Be Silenced by Shame
Sharing your experience helps protect others and brings scammers to justice. With awareness and careful action, your donation can be the meaningful, positive experience you intended — helping real people instead of funding criminal activity.
About the Author
- charity scams
- disaster relief
- fraud prevention
- donating safely