Before you donate this Tuesday, and really any time you’re asked to donate to charity, grab your iPad, log on to your computer, and do your homework.
The first step you should always take is to do your research.
Search for the name of the charity you want to donate to and add the word “scam” or “complaints” to see if there are any stories or reports from reputable sources warning against donating to that organization.
Some places you can trust to find out about charities that are misusing your money are the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and AARP.
You can also check records from charity watchdog groups like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Given Alliance.
Make sure you’re also asking important questions like:
- How much of your donation will go to the program you want to supporting charities on a budget?
- Is your donation tax deductible?
Double-check the exact name of the organization. Scammers will choose a name or use a website address that looks very similar to legitimate, well-known addresses in order to trick people into thinking they are donating to a real charity.
