A caller or text asks for a donation. How to check the charity

The problem

A caller thanks you for your past support of a cause, or a text asks you to help after a disaster. They are warm and emotional, and they ask for a donation now. It may be a request over the phone, a link to donate, or a suggestion to buy gift cards.

Many people give because they care. Charity scams take advantage of that, and the result is that money meant to help others goes to a stranger.

How it can happen

The FTC lists the red flags. They include pressure to donate right away, thanks for a donation you never made, and a caller ID showing a local area code, which scammers can fake. Scammers also use a name that sounds like a real charity's, and offer vague or emotional appeals with no details on how the money will be used. Some claim a donation is tax-deductible when it is not, promise sweepstakes winnings in return for a donation, or ask for cryptocurrency.

Payment methods are another sign. The FTC advises avoiding cash, gift cards and wire transfers, which are common scammer methods, and paying by credit card or check instead.

Fake charity websites can use addresses that are slightly different from well known charities. The FTC also notes that texting to donate is risky unless you have confirmed the number on the charity's own website.

How to avoid it

1. Do not decide on the call. Say you will give through the charity's website or by post, and hang up if pressed.
2. Search the charity's name with words such as complaint, review, rating or scam.
3. Check ratings. The FTC points to the BBB Wise Giving Alliance at give.org and CharityWatch at charitywatch.org.
4. Check tax status. The IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search shows whether a donation would be tax-deductible.
5. Check registration. Most states require charities and their fundraisers to register. Your state charity regulator can be found at nasconet.org.
6. Confirm who receives the money before you click any donation link, and type the website address yourself.
7. Pay by credit card or check, and keep records. Review your statements for unexpected charges or recurring donations.
8. Report suspected scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state charity regulator. Include the organisation's name, the phone number and what the fundraiser said.

A caller who knows a few details about you proves nothing, as our guide to checking a caller ID explains. If you paid by gift card or wire, the steps in how to report a scam in the US cover who to contact.

Things to watch

• A request for a donation by gift card, wire, cash or crypto.
• Thanks for a pledge you do not remember.
• A name that is close to a well known charity, but not the same.
• An urgent appeal after a disaster that gives no specifics.
• A promise of a prize for donating.
• A text that asks you to donate through a number or link you have not checked.

Giving is a good instinct, and checking does not stand in its way. The extra minute protects the money that will do good. Another call that borrows a loved one's name is described in the grandchild call.