8 Ways And Tips To Efficiently Detect And Prevent Charity Fraud

Unfortunately, charity fraud is a common issue nowadays, as many people try and take advantage of the less fortunate to make money.

Here you will find 8 easy and efficient ways to detect and help prevent falling victim to charity fraud:

1. Look For immediate Deadlines

If you notice a charitable campaign that uses typical high-pressure tactics that ask for immediate action, then you should be cautious – after all, donating money is a serious matter and you must be properly informed before you do it. Do your own due diligence and follow your gut feeling as it generally is a good guide.

2. You Find Out You Have Become A Millionaire Overnight

We have all received at least one “You’ve Won!” message, telling us that we have won money or products even if we haven’t entered any contest beforehand – if this is your case, then it is highly recommended to be skeptical. If you have made a donation and you were informed that you’ve won something then that is, once again, very suspicious!

3. Organisations That Require Personal Information

You should never reveal your personal information unless you are 100% sure that it will not be distributed to third parties, nor will it be used to take your money or to steal your identity. Absolutely no charity organisation/fund raiser will ever require your Social Security number. Never provide information about your credit card, bank account or date of birth to such organisations!

4. Charitable Organisations Accept Credit Cards As Well!

If you’re charitable organisation informs you that they only accept cash, then that’s an obvious alarm signal as every reputable and legit charity will accept credit cards and checks. Never pay in cash unless you are 100% sure that particular organisation is legitimate!

5. “Ghost Pledges”

If you can’t remember making a pledge in the near past, then you most likely didn’t make one – tricksters will usually thank you for various contributions (that are not real), so make sure to ask for specific information about the date when the pledge was made, the amount of money that was donated as well as the payment method that was used.

6. Direct Calls for Help

Many tricksters claim to be the victims of fires, floods or other natural disasters when they send you an e-mail or contact you by phone – if so, how did they find your contact information in the first place? This should get you thinking!

7. Organisations That Seem Familiar, Yet They Are Not

It often happens that tricksters name their organisation after nationally or locally recognised organisations that are popular amongst those who donate money on a constant basis – if you encounter an organisation that sounds familiar (the name is similar to a charitable organisation you know, yet one or two letters are different), then you should be suspicious and do your research.

8. Vulnerable Times and People

Last, but not least, stay extra vigilant during vulnerable times – it is then when most tricksters like to hit. Natural disasters or terrorist attacks serve as profitable contexts for these people, who would get record-breaking donations from those who are compassionate and want to help the victims. On the other hand, most con artists prefer to operate amongst vulnerable people of all ages – the elderly are popular targets.

How to Efficiently Prevent Fraud

One of the easiest ways to prevent fraud is to be fully informed about the charitable organisation that asks you for money: what is its mission? Is it a transparent organisation? Is it a real one, can you verify it through search engines, as well as through the state attorney general office? If the answer is yes, then that particular organisation is, most likely a legitimate one.

It is highly recommended never to pay in cash, but through check or card. Avoid online donations and never reveal your Social Security number, credit card information, bank account information, date of birth and such.

Some of famous charity organisations:
1. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBSSA) is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organisation in the United States,
2. Mater prize Home . All funds raised from the Mater Prize Home Lottery go directly to supporting patient care and research at Mater hospitals and the Mater Medical Research Institute.
3. Canines for Disabled Kids (CDK) is a relatively new charity, having begun only in 1998. This organisation provides assistance dogs to children under age 12 who are autistic or have hearing or physical disabilities.