053 - Charity Scams Increase During Crises
“After disasters, emergencies, or major news events, fake charities often appear asking for donations. Verify organizations before giving money or personal information.”
When big news breaks—whether it is a sudden natural disaster on television or a local emergency closer to home—our natural human instinct is to want to help. We want to open our hearts and our wallets to support the folks who are hurting.
Sadly, fake charities watch the news just as closely as we do. They count on that wave of genuine sympathy to cloud our judgment, quickly setting up phony websites or making emotional phone calls to intercept your well-intentioned donations. It is deeply frustrating to think that your kindness could be weaponized by a scammer, but you don’t have to close your heart to stay safe. You just need to change how you give.
The golden rule for avoiding charity fraud is simple: never donate on impulse, and never give to someone who actively came looking for you.
Instead, take control of your giving with these straightforward steps:
Initiate the contact yourself: If a phone solicitor calls you out of the blue, or a dramatic email pops into your inbox, do not give them your credit card number. Hang up or close the message, and look up the organization independently.
Stick to the names you know: Lean toward established, household-name organizations that have been doing this work for decades.
Use a trusted watchdog: If you want to support a new or local charity, take two minutes to check them on a free verification website like CharityNavigator.org or BBB Wise Giving Alliance. These independent sites score charities on how much money actually goes to the cause versus their own pockets.
Taking an extra moment to verify where your money is going isn't stingy. It ensures your hard-earned dollars actually reach the people who need them most.
What Now
If you or an elder you care for has mistakenly donated to a fraudulent charity or suspects they have been targeted by a fake charity scam, take these immediate actions:
Contact Your Financial Institution Immediately: If you paid via credit card, bank transfer, or a mobile payment app, call your financial institution right away. Report the transaction as fraud and request a chargeback or a freeze on your account to prevent further unauthorized access.
Consult the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: Call the nonprofit helpline at 877-908-3360 for free, confidential guidance from trained fraud specialists. They can help older adults and caregivers navigate the emotional impact of being scammed and provide a personalized checklist for financial recovery.
Verify Future Giving via Watchdog Groups: Before making any future donations, independently check organizations using trusted, free nonprofit database tools like CharityNavigator.org or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to ensure your money goes to legitimate causes rather than scammers.
Report the Fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a formal complaint online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Documenting the scammer's name, phone number, website, or pitch helps federal law enforcement track trends and shut down illicit operations.
File a Report with Your State’s Charity Regulator: Most states regulate charities through the Attorney General's office. Visit the National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) website to find your local regulator and report the fake organization so they can take enforcement action within your state.
Local Resources
Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington https://helpingelders.org/
(360) 735-5720
Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program https://ccvlp.org/
(360) 695-5313
YWCA Clark County https://www.ywcaclarkcounty.org/
(360) 695-0501
