How Do I Protect Myself From Fake Charities?
The summer and year close are coming close day by day. A lot of people will be planning to assist people, communities, and needy persons and this gives scammers are out there striving to collect all they can. This scam can exist in form of fake charities, disaster frauds among others.
This fake charity scam is a big evil such that they take advantage of one’s care, generosity, and compassion by disguising it as a legitimate organization thereby stealing your money.
They don’t only steal the money you donate; they also divert funds from real charity organizations.
Listed below are some ways in which you can identify some of this fake charity scam.
1. The organization will not be registered
It is a known fact that the world is currently facing issues of covid19 and scammers are taking advantage of this to scam people. They create various websites using a fake identity including emails, social media handles, and selling different products. This type of thing is done to get your personal information and with this, they are able to access your money. It is compulsory for a charity organization to be registered in a country.
2. They will always put pressure on you to contribute a certain amount of money
This is a major thing to know and the easiest way to catch thus scammers. They will always try to toil with your emotions telling you various victims’ stories. A real charity organization will never force nor compel you to contribute a certain amount of money. they accept the amount of money you have to donate at that particular time. Make sure you don’t contribute any substance to pressure.
3. They will always tell you to use a particular system of payment
In the olden days, people go from door to door to get donations. but now, there is technological advancement and a lot of payment processors are available. You should always pay close attention once you notice that the payment option of the charity organization is limited mostly gift cards and wire transfers because this payment method is very hard to trace. Most charity organization accepts a wide range of payment system.
4. You will receive scam links and phone calls
Provided you are receiving some unsolicited links on your emails or media or getting calls as to any charity organization, then you should know that’s a red flag. Most real charity organizations will not send you private messages. They rather prefer to make everything done transparently. They wouldn’t spam you with either calls or messages.
5. They ask for your personal details during/before donation
We should know that donating money online is more or less like buying a product online, that is you have the option to either use a payment provider such as flutter wave, Interswitch, or PayPal. It is best for you not to input your personal information on any untrusted site most especially websites that are unsecured. This is a common thing that thus charity scammer does.
6. Their website name is always misspelled
This is a common sign of scammers. They impersonate other great charity homes’ names and just misspell them. if proper care is not taken, you won’t notice this. Make sure to carefully check the name and details of the website before making your contributions.
Once you notice any issues or have a suspicious feeling, check more about the charity organization or find other legitimate charities to you can make donations.
Now, let’s discuss how you can protect yourself from all fake charity scams
Have you had the intention to donate to charities but are scared because of the online scammers that do not stop at stealing your money alone but also your performer information? Worry not! We got you covered. We will give you a few hints that will help you secure your personal information and guarantee that your donation reaches the final destination without any hiccup. Read on.
Know The Type Of Email You Reply
Emails don't come coincidentally. Before you can receive an email, you must have provided your details to a company from which you would probably be expecting an email. If you receive an email that you aren't expecting and can't recollect dropping your details to such an organization, it is advisable to not reply to such email. You might be asked to click on a link in the email message. Doing this can be a confirmation for the source, and your personal information can be gotten easily.
Therefore, be smart of emails you receive from an unknown charity. However, if you are convinced to help, check from a charity navigator to confirm if the organization is recognized.
Be Inspired But Do Your Homework
Social media applications like YouTube, Twitter, etc. can bring heart-taking stories and videos that might inspire you to help even without having it in mind before. However, it can serve as the best medium for scammers to usurp money. Therefore, before venturing into helping an organization, take your time to do your homework by ensuring such an organization is a legal and nonprofit organization.
Give Through A Reputable And Secure Service
One of the best ways to give to a source you care about is through a reputable and secure source, and one such way is charity Navigators Giving Basket. Thousands of people donate millions of dollars through this source every year because they only allow gifts to legal charities. Therefore, using this source will save you from donating money to scammers and help you secure your private information.
Delete Unsolicited Emails With Attachments
Legitimate organizations usually don't send an attachment in their emails. Instead, they will direct you to their website. Therefore, if you receive an email seeking your help but with an attachment, refrain from opening such an attachment. Simply delete it!
Be Leery Of People Claiming To Be A Victim
Victims of an accident or disease can’t contact you personally for your help. They would probably be in a coma or isolation. Therefore, anybody claiming to be a victim is a scammer. Beware of them.
Be Careful To Send Money Abroad
Generally speaking, sending money to a company overseas is hard to track. Therefore, any company asking you to send money overseas is a scammer.
Keep Scammer’s Tricks In Mind.
A scammer's most used tool is tricking you to rash decisions. Doing this won’t allow you to think properly, talk less of being suspicious. Therefore, think properly and take your time before rushing into something.