Many feel compelled to give in times of crisis. Charitable donations play a crucial role in providing aid after natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies. However, scammers often take advantage of this generosity, preying on good intentions. The WashU community can protect our contributions by recognizing legitimate charities and spotting the characteristics of scams.
Above is an example of a charity scam email. While scammers are constantly devising new tactics, this example highlights key warning signs to watch for in your inbox.
Red Flags in Charity Scams
Scammers may contact you by email, text, or phone. Be on the lookout for these common warning signs:
- Urgent Appeals: Phrases like “every second counts” and “life or death” aim to prompt immediate action without thinking twice.
- Emotional Language: Emphasizes urgent needs, like food and water, to evoke sympathy and prompt quick responses.
- Suspicious Sender Details: Although the sender’s email here may look official, be cautious of unsolicited, generic emails, even those using “.org” domains.
- Unverified Links: Links may appear legitimate but can lead to phishing sites. Instead of clicking links, verify charities by conducting an online search.
Taking a moment to verify before responding to unsolicited requests ensures that your donations reach genuine organizations that help those in need.
If You Suspect a Scam
If you receive a suspicious donation request, use the WashU Phish Alert Button (PAB) to notify the WashU Office of Information Security (OIS). Outside of WashU, you can report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or FBI Charity and Disaster Fraud. Informing friends and family can also help protect them from falling victim to social engineering threats like these.
If You’ve Been Scammed
If you’ve already sent money—whether by app, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card—report it promptly to the FTC. Acting quickly improves your chances of retrieving funds.
Four Tips to Avoid Charity Scams
- Research Before Donating: Confirm a charity’s legitimacy.
- Donate Directly Through Trusted Channels: Avoid unsolicited outreach with unverified links. Donating directly through official charity websites helps protect your personal and financial information.
- Beware of High-Pressure Tactics: Real organizations will accept donations at any time. Take the time to research before giving.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Choose credit cards over more difficult-to-track methods such as cash or gift cards. This helps maintain buyer protections and allows you to dispute fraudulent charges if necessary.
Further Reading
- Scam of the Month: Charity Scams
- Protect Yourself from Social Engineering
- After a disaster, make your donations count
Stay informed, protect your generosity, and help keep the WashU community safe from charity scams!