Safe Practices for Online Charity Donation

Why Donate Online?

Many charities allow you to donate to them online. Online fundraising is convenient, and it allows charities to show how much they’ve raised in real time. In addition, online fundraisers enable charities to reach a larger audience on social media and through search engines. Donors can also share that they have donated to a charity or a cause on social media, encouraging their friends and followers to donate. 

Online Donations and Bad Actors

However, bad actors can impersonate online charities to try and steal your credentials and money. Cybercriminals can pretend to work for reputable charities and contact you by phone, text, or email, asking for donations. They may ask for cash donations, gift cards, or wire transfers, which cannot be traced. The scammers can also ask for sensitive financial information or Social Security numbers so that they can apply for loans using your identity! 

Be Safe When Donating Online

You should always be cautious when donating online to any charity or cause. It’s important to research and make sure the charity you want to donate to is reputable before giving any money. Most real charities use domain names that end in “.org” instead of “.com”. If a fundraiser asks you for sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, it is likely a scam. Awareness of what cybercriminals do to get you to donate to their fake charities will help keep you, your sensitive data, and your money safe. 

Remember these tips when donating to causes online: 

• Research any charities that you donate to. Be cautious of fake charities with names that are similar to real ones. 
• Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics or calls to take urgent action from those claiming to be from a charity or fundraiser. Many scams involve tricking you into acting impulsively.
• If you would like to donate to a cause, visit your preferred charity’s official website directly. Only donate to causes you know and trust.