Charity scam red flags
Scammers continue to refine their tactics, and tech-savvy fraudsters now use artificial intelligence (AI) to make their schemes harder to spot. Stay alert to these charity scam warning signs:
- Pressure to donate immediately. Legitimate charities appreciate thoughtful giving and never rush your decision. If someone calls claiming they need your donation within the hour to meet a matching grant deadline, it might be a scam. Real nonprofits will gladly accept your gift next week, while fake websites disappear before you finish wrapping presents.
- Requests for cash, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. Real nonprofits accept checks, credit cards, or secure online payments that create a paper trail. Scammers ask for untraceable payment methods because these transactions can’t be reversed or tracked once the money changes hands.
- Vague descriptions of their work. A trustworthy organization can clearly explain how it will use your donation and describe specific programs it will support. If they can’t tell you concrete details about their impact or where your money goes, that’s a sign they might not actually be helping anyone.
- Unsolicited contact during the holiday rush. Be cautious of online communication that you did not start. Emails, texts, or social media messages asking for seasonal donations, especially those that include links or attachments, may not actually be from the organization listed. Legitimate charities rarely reach out this way without you contacting them first.
- Videos or voice calls from public figures. Scammers may use AI to create realistic videos or audio messages that appear to come from known charity leaders, celebrities, or even people you know. If you receive an unexpected video or call requesting money, verify through official charity contacts before responding.
- Personalized written messages. Unlike classic scams with obvious spelling errors, these AI-generated messages are professional and custom-tailored, often mentioning your name or mimicking official language. Even polished, personalized messages require careful verification before you donate.
- Social media accounts dedicated to fundraising. Scammers create believable profiles and campaigns that spread quickly and solicit donations. Always confirm fundraisers are linked directly from the charity’s verified social media accounts or official website rather than trusting a post that appears in your feed.
Taking time to examine donation requests protects your generosity and helps your holiday giving create the real impact you're hoping for.
3 Ways to verify a charity before you donate
These quick checks help to make sure your money goes exactly where you intend.
- Research before you donate. Verify your preferred charity through trusted sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance to review its ratings and see how it uses funds.
- Ask questions. Call the organization using contact information from their official website (not from the solicitation you received) to ask how your donation will be used and request their tax ID number.
- Confirm giving options. Donate directly through the charity’s official website or mail a check to their verified address. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts.
These simple steps can protect your donation and provide reassurance that you’re supporting work that matters to the people and causes you care about.
Best practices for crowdfunding donations
Many people donate through online platforms to help individuals and families cover medical bills, housing costs, or emergency expenses. Before clicking “donate,” confirm the campaign organizer’s direct connection to the cause by checking if the person being helped has shared the fundraiser on their own social media or if a recognized charity has endorsed it.
Look for campaigns that provide specific details about the situation, regular updates showing how funds are being used, and clear contact information for the organizer. Be cautious about emotional stories that tug at your heart but lack concrete information or accountability.
Do you suspect a charity scam?
If you suspect a charity scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission and to your state’s charity regulator. Include details like the organization’s name, how they contacted you, and what payment methods they requested. Sharing your experience can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
Visit our online security center to learn more about how to protect your HawaiiUSA accounts from fraud.
