The holiday season is a time of generosity and goodwill, but unfortunately, it’s also a prime opportunity for fraudsters to take advantage of those looking to make a difference. Here’s how to ensure your holiday giving makes the positive impact you intend—without falling victim to scams.

Social Media Scams: Fake Causes in Your Feed

Social media platforms are flooded with posts, ads, and crowdfunding campaigns during the holidays, many of which are legitimate—but some are not. Scammers create fake accounts and webpages, often using stolen images, to mimic well-known charities or create entirely fake causes.

Red Flags for Social Media Scams:

• Unverified Pages or Profiles: Look for blue checkmarks or other signs of authenticity on charity pages.
• Emotional Stories Without Details: Posts that lack specific information about how donations will be used are a warning sign.
• Requests to Donate via Unusual Methods: Be wary if a campaign asks for gift cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo.
• Overly Aggressive Sharing: Scammers often ask users to “Share Immediately” to make their fake campaigns spread faster.

Stay Safe: If you’re inspired to give based on a social media post, research the organization independently before donating.

Phone Scams: The High-Pressure Holiday Hustle

During the holiday season, fraudsters may call pretending to represent a legitimate charity. They rely on high-pressure tactics to secure immediate donations, leaving little time for you to verify their authenticity.

Warning Signs of a Phone Scam:

• No Time to Think: Scammers may claim your donation is needed “right now” to meet a deadline or match a donation.
• Unclear Information: If the caller can’t answer basic questions about their organization or where the money is going, it’s a red flag.
• Requests for Sensitive Information: Be cautious if asked for personal or financial details over the phone, such as your Social Security number.

Stay Safe: Trust your gut- hang up and research the charity online. Legitimate organizations won’t pressure you to donate over the phone.

Phishing Emails: A Scam That Hits Your Inbox

Phishing emails are one of the most common ways scammers impersonate charities. These emails often tug at your heartstrings with emotional appeals, such as stories about struggling families or disaster relief efforts. They include links to fake donation websites or attachments containing malware.

How to Spot a Phishing Email:

• Generic Greetings: Real charities usually address you by name; beware of emails starting with “Dear Donor” or “Dear Supporter.”
• Urgent Language: Phrases like “Act Now” or “Double Your Impact Today Only!” are designed to pressure you into acting without thinking.
• Suspicious Links: Hover over links to check the URL before clicking. Legitimate charities will have secure websites (look for “https” and a recognizable domain name).
• Typos and Errors: Professional charities won’t have spelling mistakes or awkward grammar in their emails.

Stay Safe: If you want to support a cause mentioned in an email, go directly to the charity’s verified website instead of clicking on any email links.

Additional Scams to Watch For

While phishing emails, social media scams, and phone fraud are the some of the most common, other tactics to watch out for include:

• Fake Websites: Always verify the URL of any charity website before making a donation – look for https:// and a locked padlock.
• Street Solicitors: Be cautious of individuals asking for cash donations in public places.
• Counterfeit Goods: If you’re purchasing charity-related merchandise, ensure it’s from an official source, not just a knock-off looking to pocket the funds.

How to Get Started with Your Research

• Check out the following tools- they can help you verify the legitimacy and financial health of a charity:
  • Charity Navigator: Provides ratings based on financial responsibility, accountability, and transparency for thousands of nonprofits.
  • GuideStar: Offers detailed profiles of nonprofit organizations, including tax documentation and mission statements.
  • BBB Wise Giving Alliance: A service of the Better Business Bureau that evaluates charities against 20 standards for accountability.

  These sites let you search for specific charities, compare them, and review their financial records and performance.

• Visit the Charity’s Official Website
  • Check their website’s domain carefully to ensure it’s legitimate (look for “https” and avoid unfamiliar extensions like “.info” or “.biz”).
  • Review their “About Us” and “Mission” pages for clarity about their goals and operations.
  • Look for annual reports or financial statements to see how donations are used.

• Trust Your Instincts
• • If something feels off, it probably is. High-pressure tactics, vague answers, or an overly emotional pitch can be red flags.
  • Take your time to research, and don’t feel rushed into donating on the spot.

This holiday season, your generosity can change lives—but only if it reaches the right hands. By staying vigilant, you can ensure your kindness supports those in need while keeping scammers at bay.