Charity Donation Scam: Is It a Scam?

Scammers create fake charities or impersonate real ones to collect donations that never reach those in need. These scams surge after natural disasters, during holidays, and around major news events that generate public sympathy.

How This Scam Works

Scammers create fake charity websites, social media campaigns, or GoFundMe pages with names similar to well-known charities. They call, email, or text asking for donations, often using emotional language and images from real disasters. Some scammers set up in-person collection booths. Donations go directly to the scammers. Others impersonate real charities by mimicking their websites or using similar email addresses. In phone versions, the caller pressures you for an immediate credit card donation and refuses to let you call back or research the charity first.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Charity name is very similar to a well-known organization but not quite right
• High-pressure tactics demanding immediate donations
• Refusal to provide written information about the charity
• Request for donation via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
• Charity cannot provide its EIN (tax ID number)
• Newly created website or social media account

Example Scam Messages

What to Do If You Received This

• Research charities at give.org, charitynavigator.org, or guidestar.org
• Donate directly through a charity's official website, not through links
• Ask for the charity's EIN and look it up at irs.gov
• Be skeptical of social media fundraisers from unknown people
• Take your time; legitimate charities do not require instant donations

What to Do If You Fell For It

How to Report This Scam

• Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Report to your state attorney general's charity division
• File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
• Report to the National Association of State Charity Officials at nasconet.org

Last updated: February 10, 2026