What to Watch For This Giving Season
Awareness Tips for Navigating Common Charity Fraud Tactics
Every November, inboxes fill up with heartwarming stories, urgent requests, and reminders that the season of giving is here. And while many of these messages come from legitimate nonprofits doing meaningful work, scammers know this is the time of year when generosity rises—and defenses often drop.
The good news: a few simple habits can make giving this season feel more intentional and less vulnerable to the common tactics scammers use.
Why Scams Increase Around the Holidays
November kicks off the busiest charitable season of the year. Between Giving Tuesday, year-end fundraising campaigns, and holiday outreach, nonprofits communicate more often and across more platforms. Scammers see an opportunity in all that activity.
They rely on two things:
Emotion and urgency.
Messages designed to pull at your heartstrings—or pressure you to act quickly—make it harder to pause and verify.
Familiar names.
Fake charities often adopt names that sound almost identical to trusted organizations. A swapped word or a slightly different domain name is sometimes the only sign you're looking at a scam.
Common Red Flags to Watch For
To stay aware, keep an eye out for patterns that tend to show up in fraudulent appeals:
1. Requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers
Most reputable charities do not ask for donations this way.
2. Misspelled names or odd-looking links
Scammers often use domains that look close to the real thing—just close enough to fool a quick glance.
3. High-pressure language
"Donate now or a family goes hungry tonight!" Urgency is a classic tactic used to bypass your judgment.
4. No clear explanation of how donations are used
Reputable nonprofits usually share their mission, programs, and financial transparency openly.
5. Unsolicited DMs or friend requests
Real organizations rarely fundraise through direct messages from personal accounts.
How to Check Whether a Charity Is Legitimate
You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to confirm whether a charity is genuine. A few simple steps go a long way.
Search for the organization yourself.
Type the charity's name directly into your browser instead of clicking links in emails or texts.
Use trusted verification tools:
- CharityNavigator.org
- BBB Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org)
- IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search
- The charity's most recent IRS Form 990, which outlines financials and leadership
These tools can help you confirm tax-exempt status, view financial information, and understand how the organization operates.
Call the organization directly.
If something seems off, use the phone number listed on the charity's official website—not the one in the message you received.
Real Examples You May See This Season
Example 1: The "Look-Alike" Charity
A scammer sends an email pretending to be a well-known children's nonprofit. The logo looks right, and the story is compelling—but the email address ends in ".co" instead of ".org." That tiny detail is often the giveaway.
Example 2: The Social Media Direct Message
A stranger messages you claiming to represent a disaster-relief group and asks for an immediate donation. Legitimate organizations don't collect money this way; scammers often do.
Thoughtful Ways to Give This Season
Here are a few simple habits that can make your charitable giving feel more intentional this year:
- Donate through official websites. Going directly to a nonprofit's home page is generally a more reliable way to give.
- Use payment methods that offer protections. Credit cards often provide stronger fraud support than debit cards, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
- Keep records of your donations. This can help with tax preparation and makes it easier to spot irregularities or unauthorized charges.
- Watch for fake receipts. Scammers sometimes send "Thank you for your donation" emails to prompt you to click on malicious links—even if you never donated.
- Review recurring donations. If you've supported a cause in the past, it can be helpful to periodically check that ongoing charges still reflect your intentions.
- Check for employer donation matching. Some workplaces match employee contributions. It may be worthwhile to see whether this exists at your employer, as many people overlook it.
Additional Notes for the Giving Season
Note: These points aren't recommendations—just general information many people find helpful this time of year:Year-end deadlines.
Charitable gifts generally must be completed by December 31 to be counted for that tax year. For mailed checks, the postmark—not the deposit date—usually determines timing.
Documentation requirements.
The IRS requires written acknowledgment for donations of $250 or more, and additional forms for certain gifts over $500.
Donor-Advised Funds.
Some donors use these accounts to contribute in one year and distribute funds over time. These accounts come with specific rules, so reviewing details with a qualified tax professional can be helpful.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs).
Individuals age 70½ or older may have the option to donate directly from IRAs under IRS guidelines. This can be a specialized area of tax law and is something to confirm with a qualified tax professional.
If you suspect you've been scammed.
It's helpful to contact your bank or credit card company promptly, report the incident to the FTC, and document what occurred.
Final Thought
Generosity is one of the best parts of the holiday season. And with a little awareness, you can support the causes close to your heart while avoiding the scams that surface this time of year. Slowing down, verifying before you give, and using trusted channels can make a meaningful difference.