6 clear signs of charity scams

6 clear signs of charity scams

Charitable contributions can provide a sense of emotional fulfillment. However, not all charitable opportunities are legitimate. Further, the rise of fraudulent activities here can discourage donors. According to a recent FBI report, people lost over $4.4 million to charity scams in a year. Looking at these numbers, it is important for donors to be vigilant regarding their contributions. So, here are a few telltale signs that can help them identify a charity scam:

1. Refusal to provide details
A clear indicator of a charity scam is when an organization hesitates or outright refuses to delve into essential details regarding its work, mission, and outreach. Here, details regarding operational expenses, allocation of donations, headquarters location, or its tax-exempt (EID) number may be difficult to obtain. Genuine charities are typically transparent about these details, and any reluctance to provide such information should be a cause for concern. To avoid falling for such scams, it is advisable to thoroughly check the charity’s official website and read through their frequently asked questions (FAQs), mission, impact on the community, and terms and policies. It is also a good idea to check out the BBB ratings and online reviews to gauge its overall standing in the community.

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