避免慈善诈骗: Red Flags, Research Tips, 和 More

Charity scams come in all forms, 和 it may be hard to spot one. 骗子 will go to great lengths to look like a legitimate organization, 和 some charity scams may even be registered nonprofits (501(c)(3)s) using the bulk of their fundraising dollars to pay an executive team – not the communities they are meant to serve.

If you’re not sure if a charitable organization is legitimate, 检查危险信号, 做好调查, 和 always keep your personal information private. Here’s what to look for 和 how to make sure the organization is legitimate.

注意这些 红旗

1. The representative (or website) can’t provide details about the charity. If the person you’re talking to (or the charity’s website) can’t tell you specifics on how the money will be used, where the charity is headquartered, what percentage of funds are going directly to the program, or the organization’s tax-exempt (EID) number, they’re probably trying to scam you.
2. You receive a thank you for a donation you didn’t give – along with a request for more money. If you don’t remember giving, ask for details of the alleged donation, 比如日期, 付款的数额或形式. If they can’t answer those basic questions, they’re probably not associated with the same organization you supported before.
3. 你被赶时间了. If the request seems pushy, it’s probably a scam. A reputable charity won’t use high-pressure tactics – that’s because a reputable charity wants you to feel good about your contribution.
4. You’re being asked for a donation in the form of cash, gift cards, a wire transfer or a 移动支付应用. 骗子 prefer these forms of payment because there’s very little chance they’ll be tracked down — 和 neither you (nor the supposed beneficiaries) will ever see the money.

如何制作 安全的慈善捐款

1. Research the charity online. Google the name of the organization along with other search terms like “scam,”“审查,”“评级,或抱怨. You can also search for stories about the positive impact of the group.
2. Ask the organization about the success of their charitable efforts. They should have data to support their impact on the community.
3. 检查他们的状态. 检查 国税局的网站 to ensure that the charity is a 501(c)(3) 和 to review their public tax records.
4. 跟着钱走. Guidestar.org 和 CharityNavigator.org can help you see what percentage of donations go directly to the cause – ideally at least 65 percent of its expenses, says the Better Business Bureau¹. You’ll also want to see how much they spend on administrative 和 fundraising expenses.
5. Is the organization registered to raise money in your state? In California, the Office of the Attorney General regulates charities 和 professional fundraisers.
6. 索要收据. Keep the receipt to claim a tax deduction 和 as proof of your donation in case the organization claims your payment didn’t go through.
7. 查看你的账户. Keep a weekly money date to review your bank 和 credit card accounts. Make sure you weren’t charged more than you agreed to give or unknowingly enrolled in recurring donations.
8. Do not share your personal 和 financial information. Keep your Social Security Number, date of birth, 和 bank account details private. Fraudsters could use this information to steal your identity or access your finances.
9. Beware of requests on social media 和 crowdfunding platforms. The Federal Trade Commission reports that some accounts use real victims’ stories 和 images to create fake profiles 和 con people.