Impersonation

Is this charity a scam?

Quick answer

Often, yes — especially newly-formed charities that pop up after natural disasters, mass tragedies, or popular causes. Real charities don't pressure for immediate cash or gift card donations and are registered with the IRS and state regulators. Always verify before giving.

Red flags to look for

1
Newly-created charity name you haven't heard before
2
Appears within days of a disaster or tragedy
3
Cold calls, texts, or DMs asking for donations
4
Pressure to give immediately, often in gift cards or wire
5
No registration with charitynavigator.org, give.org, or IRS database
6
Vague about exactly where the money goes

Real examples

Phone call

Hi, I'm calling from the Survivors of [Recent Disaster] Relief Fund. We're collecting urgent donations. Can you pledge $100 today? We accept gift cards, Zelle, or credit card.

Likely Scam

Real charities don't accept gift cards. They never combine 'urgent donation' with multiple irreversible payment methods. The charity name is invented to exploit current news.

What to do

Don't give based on a cold call, text, or DM.
Verify charities at charitynavigator.org, give.org, or irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search.
Donate directly via the charity's official website — type it yourself, never use a link from a solicitation.
Never give via gift card, wire, or crypto — these are scam-only payment methods.
Use credit card for donations (chargeback protection if it turns out fraudulent).

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Why scammers use this approach

Major disasters create immediate giving urgency in millions of people. Fake charities ride that wave, harvesting both donations and (more valuably) credit card details for resale.

Frequently asked questions

What if a real charity is calling?

Hang up and donate via their official website directly. Even real charity callers should never be paid by phone — go to the source.