Criminals prey on the good nature and generosity of Americans
Natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires often inspire generosity as people seek to help victims through charitable donations. Unfortunately, these emergencies also provide an opportunity for scammers to exploit public goodwill. The FBI and IRS warn that charity scams surge after natural disasters, and consumers must stay vigilant to ensure their donations go to legitimate causes.

How Charity Scams Work
Fraudsters pose as legitimate organizations seeking donations for disaster relief — using websites that resemble legitimate organizations as well as emails, phone calls, or social media messages. In reality, little (if any) of the money reaches those in need. Instead, it’s pocketed by the fraudsters. According to the FBI, many of these illegal charities operate with little to no oversight, making it easy for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting donors.
Common Red Flags
Be on the lookout for these signs of a charity scam:
- Unsolicited Requests – Be wary of unexpected phone calls, emails, or texts asking for donations. Scammers often contact individuals without prior warning, preying on their emotional response to a crisis. Always verify the organization before donating.
- Pressure Tactics – Scammers create a false sense of urgency, urging you to donate right away to help disaster victims, so you will feel there isn’t time for careful consideration. By contrast, legitimate charities understand that donors need time to make informed decisions, so be cautious of any high-pressure tactics.
- Too Good to Be True – If a charity promises that 100% of your donation will go to victims, this should raise a red flag. While many organizations do their best to minimize overhead, some administrative costs are inevitable. Transparency is key.
- Unfamiliar or Vague Charity Names – Scammers often use names similar to well-known charities to trick donors. If the charity’s name sounds slightly unfamiliar, take the time to research it.
- Unusual Payment Methods – It’s highly suspicious if the charity requests donations through untraceable methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate charities will accept credit cards, checks, or other secure payment methods.
Take These Steps to Protect Yourself
Here’s how to make sure your charitable donations go to reputable organizations who will do the most good:
- Research Before Donating – Verify the legitimacy of any charity by checking if it is registered with the IRS as a tax-exempt organization. You can use tools like Tax Exempt Organization Search or websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to evaluate charities and read independent reviews.
- Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links – Be cautious of emails or social media messages that include links asking for donations. These could lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal or financial information.
- Donate Through Trusted Channels – Donate directly through established, reputable charities with a proven track record of disaster relief. Organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and World Vision are trusted names in disaster response.
- Ensure Secure Websites – When donating online, ensure the website is secure by looking for “https://” in the URL and a padlock symbol next to the address bar. This means the site uses encryption to protect your information.
- Keep Records – Always retain receipts or confirmation emails of your donation. Legitimate charities will provide documentation, which can also be useful for tax purposes.
While it’s natural to want to help those affected by natural disasters, it’s important to stay cautious when making donations. Charity scams often prey on public generosity, and without proper research, your donation could end up in the hands of criminals. By staying informed, using trusted channels, and verifying charities, you can ensure your contributions make a real difference and support legitimate disaster relief efforts.