Fake Charity / Disaster Relief Scam

In the wake of a natural disaster or tragedy, fraudulent charities solicit donations through calls, texts, or social media using names deceptively similar to real, established relief organizations.

In the immediate aftermath of a hurricane, wildfire, mass shooting, or other tragedy, scammers quickly set up fake charities with names deceptively similar to real, well-known relief organizations and solicit donations through cold calls, texts, social media posts, and crowdfunding pages. They rely on the emotional urgency of the moment to bypass the scrutiny a donor might otherwise apply, collecting donations that never reach any actual disaster victims.

• A charity name is very similar to, but slightly different from, a well-known organization.
• High-pressure solicitation for immediate donations right after a disaster.
• Vague answers about how the donation will specifically be used.
• Requests to donate via gift card, wire transfer, or cash only.

• Give directly through a charity's official website rather than through a link in a text or email.
• Check a charity's legitimacy on Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
• Be wary of high-pressure requests for immediate donations right after a disaster.
• Never donate using gift cards or wire transfers.