Beware of charity scams this giving season

With holidays coming up and people’s heartstrings at their most vulnerable, scammers see an open door for charity scams. If you are feeling pressured or rushed to donate, take a moment to pause before sending someone any money, even if it seems legitimate. You can protect yourself by following these guidelines.

• Take your time: research the charity, and visit its website to confirm the phone number/caller ID. If you don’t trust it, don’t engage.
• If you are asked for cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer, then it is a scam.
• Never give out credit or debit card information over the phone.
• If you’re contacted by a scammer, tell your friends and family. You can help keep others safe by informing them of unwanted calls you may have gotten.
• Some scammers may thank you for a donation you never made, hoping to trick you into making a “repeat” donation. Be aware of the charitable donations you have given in the past.
• Confirm the donation is going to a verified non-profit by using Charity Navigator. Officially registered 501(c)3 organizations can be verified with this website! You can also use the website to research organizations that are most efficient.

It’s the season of giving! Don’t let scammers stop you from giving to organizations that matter most to you. Just remember to stay safe on the phone and on the web. If you are concerned you may be a victim of fraud, reach out to our Member Resource Team at [email protected]. We are here to help keep you safe!