Contributing to the welfare of society through your finances is a praiseworthy and empathetic act. It’s quite natural to feel moved when you witness people around you in distress, especially during the harsh winter months. Similarly, when you learn about disasters that have forced numerous people out of their homes and familiar surroundings, the urge to help is often overwhelming.
In this era, it seems like there’s an abundance of philanthropic causes and organizations asking for support. With platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and GoFundMe, requests for donations can seem ubiquitous. Unfortunately, due to the proliferation of charitable causes, also present are dishonest people looking to exploit the philanthropic spirit for their own gain.
So, in a world where direct contact with the receiving charities or individuals is rare, how do you ensure your charitable efforts aren’t falling prey to scams? Here are some strategies to safeguard yourself from such ruses.
Don’t Donate Impulsively:
Getting caught off guard by a solicitor, whether in person or over the phone, can pressure you into making a donation. The holiday season in particular, when solicitations outside public spaces like grocery stores are common, can make this a recurrent occurrence. While not everyone soliciting in this manner has ulterior motives, it pays to know exactly who or what cause you’re supporting. Consequently, when put on the spot, you may end up offering more than originally planned.
Do Your Research:
Before making any donations, it’s vital to understand the charity’s mission and operations. Legitimate charities maintain transparency about their financial transactions, and such data is often available on independent charity rating websites. It’s crucial to discern how your contribution is being used – is it going towards the intended beneficiaries or being consumed by administrative and fundraising expenses? An extensive review of each charity can ensure you’re supporting an authentic cause, free from scams.
Beware Of Impostors:
At times, charities catering to the same cause may have similar names – an opportunity exploited by scammers. Pay close attention to details to ensure that you’re supporting the intended charity, not falling victim to a hoax. If multiple charities are catering to the same cause, a thorough evaluation of their operations can guide you towards the one that aligns best with your values.
Resist Emotional Manipulation:
Relying solely on emotional appeals for donations is often indicative of a poorly structured charity. Even if the solicitor is in front of you or on a phone call, don’t let guilt be your primary motivator. Instead, request more information or pledge to do your own research before giving.
Exercise Caution With Unsolicited Contacts:
Very few authentic charities reach out first, largely because they don’t have to. Moreover, they would never ask for sensitive personal information such as your bank account or social security numbers. A good practice is to be wary if a charity reaches out to you first, and completely avoid any that ask for protected information.
Maintain Donation Records:
While small donations might go untracked, it’s advisable to maintain a record for larger contributions. Payments made via check or credit card can help keep track.
Donate Locally:
Instead of supporting large organizations, consider giving to local charities where you can directly witness the impact of your donation.
Consider Non-Monetary Donations:
If you’re concerned about monetary fraud, think about donating in-kind.
Charitable giving, when done wisely, can be a gratifying experience. Regardless of how much you choose to give, it’s vital that your contribution goes to a genuine cause. Have you had any experiences with fraudulent charities? Let’s discuss strategies to ensure the authenticity of charities.
