Protect Your Online Holiday Donations

John Bobel

November 19, 2018

With more and easier access to the internet, the advent of social media, the explosion of crowd funding internet sites and the ability to easily donate to a cause by simply clicking a button or sending a basic text message, it has become even easier than ever to donate to charitable organizations and specific causes. It also means it is easier than ever to receive a fraudulent request for donations.

Lexington Emergency Management shares these tips to make sure your donations make it to a credible organization:

If you receive an e-mail or text message asking for a donation, confirm that the request is from the charity, and not an imposter, by contacting the charity or visiting its website. The charity’s website should have a physical address listed – not just a post office box. It should have a phone number.

Check out the charity before you give to learn more about it through reputable sites such as the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, IRS Select Check, the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, or Charity Navigator.

Be cautious of “look-alike” websites. These fraudulent websites will often ask for personal financial information or may download harmful malware into your computer.

Watch out for charities with names that sound similar to well-known organizations. Sometimes these sound-alike names are simply intended to confuse donors.

Don’t assume that charity recommendations on Facebook, blogs, or other social media have already been vetted. Research the charity yourself.

Find out what percentage of your donation will go to the charity and whether you will be charged any fees for making a donation through the fundraising platform website.

Find out what the website will do (if anything) with your personal information; be wary of websites that do not provide a privacy policy.

Be cautious when considering giving to newly formed charities since they won’t have a track record that you can take into consideration.

Be extra vigilant when donating online in the wake of natural disasters or national tragedies. Some charities are formed shortly thereafter and may have the best of intentions; however, an existing charity is more likely to have the sound management and experience to quickly respond to these situations, and it will have a track record which you can review.