Giving Safely This Season: 4 Ways to Avoid Charity Scams

’Tis the season for giving. Unfortunately, for scammers, it’s also the season for taking.

Charity scams continue to rise, especially during times of crisis and the holidays, when generosity is at its peak. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, with charity and imposter scams making up a significant portion of those losses.

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using AI-generated content, spoofed websites, and emotional manipulation to trick well-meaning donors.

Here are four key warning signs to help you spot and avoid charity scams this holiday season.

Pressure to Act Immediately

Scammers thrive on urgency. They’ll use emotional stories, disaster imagery, or claims of matching donations to push you into donating without verifying the source. If someone insists you donate right now or demands your immediate action, pause and investigate.

Legitimate charities will never rush you. Take time to research the organization before giving.

Unusual Payment Requests

Requests for donations via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency are major red flags. These methods are difficult to trace and often used by fraudsters.

In 2024, the FTC reported that bank transfers and crypto payments were the most common methods used in scams.

Stick to secure payment methods like credit cards on verified donation platforms.

Fake Thank-You Messages

Receiving a thank-you note for a donation you never made? That’s a psychological trick to make you think you’ve supported the cause before and should again. Scammers use this tactic to build trust and lower your defenses.

If you did not donate, do not respond to these messages. Always check your donation history.

Impersonation of Real Charities

Fraudsters often mimic well-known organizations by creating spoofed websites, similar-sounding names, or fake social media profiles.

In 2025, AI tools have made it easier to clone voices and create deepfake videos of celebrities or disaster victims asking for help.

You can verify the charity through trusted sources like:

This is the time of year when we consider sharing our blessings with others. Fraudsters also know this and create requests to donate to fictitious organizations. Thoroughly investigate the organization before providing your financial information, like your credit card number or writing a check.
Jeff Taylor, head of Commercial Fraud Forensics at Regions Bank

Stay Safe While Giving

Before donating:

Scammers may be clever, but your awareness is the best gift you can give this season.