Charity scams follow every disaster

How it works

Within hours of a hurricane, earthquake, war or tragedy, messages appear asking for donations. Some use names that sound like well-known charities. Some claim to be raising money for specific victims. They arrive by email, text, social media posts and phone calls.

The goal is either to take the donation or to collect card details for further fraud.

Before you give

• Go to the charity yourself. Type the address of a charity you already know, instead of following a link in a message.
• Check the name carefully. Fake charities often use names very close to real ones.
• Be wary of pressure. Real charities welcome your gift tomorrow as much as today.
• Ask how the money will be used. A real organization can explain.
• Pay safely. Avoid gift cards, wire transfers and cryptocurrency, which real charities rarely ask for.
• Be careful with crowdfunding pages for specific people unless you know who set them up.

At work

Businesses get these messages too, sometimes made to look like they come from a colleague organizing a company donation. Check internally before sending money on behalf of the business.