(Because “fake charity” isn’t exactly in the holiday spirit)
The holidays are all about giving—and scammers know it. While you’re busy spreading cheer, they’re out there with fake websites, phony fundraisers, and heartstring-tugging lies, just waiting to swipe your generosity (and maybe your business reputation, too).
Here’s the not-so-festive truth:
- One scam ring made 1.3 billion fake donation calls and swindled over $110 million from kind-hearted folks.
- Over 800 scammy social media accounts were caught running fake fundraisers on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Now imagine your business donates to one of those. Not only do you lose money—you could also lose trust with customers, partners, and your community.
But don’t worry. We’ve got your guide to giving safely this season.
How to Check If a Fundraiser Is Real
Before you click "Donate," ask these questions:
- Who’s running this thing? Are they legit? Do they know the person or cause directly?
- Where’s the money going? How will it be used, and when?
- Who handles the cash? Is there a clear path for the money to get to where it’s supposed to?
- Is the family/friends of the recipient on board? Real fundraisers usually have public support from people close to the cause.
If any of that info is fuzzy or missing—pause. Ask questions. Silence or weird excuses? That’s a red flag.
Scammy Red Flags to Watch For
Don’t fall for this stuff:
- Fundraiser pages that lie or stretch the truth
- Money that disappears or doesn’t go where it promised
- Copy-paste stories stolen from real people
- Over-the-top, emotionally manipulative stories that feel like they came from a soap opera
See more than one red flag? Hit the brakes—and report it.
What to Look For in Real Charities
Even official charities can be shady. Here’s how to check them out:
- They explain their programs clearly and share financial info (like annual reports).
- They tell you exactly how much of your donation goes to real work—not just admin costs.
- A quick search doesn’t turn up words like “fraud,” “scam,” or “lawsuit” next to their name.
Sketchy or secretive? Move along.
Sneaky Tricks Charity Scammers Use
These crooks have tricks up their sleeves:
- Asking for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto (huge red flag)
- Websites that don’t have the little lock symbol or “https” in the address
- Saying “Act now!” to rush your decision
- Claiming you already donated and just forgot (gaslighting, much?)
Bottom line: Real charities don’t rush or guilt you—and they accept normal payment methods.
Why This Matters for Your Business
When your business donates to a charity, it becomes part of your brand. If it turns out that charity was a scam? Suddenly, your good deed turns into a bad headline.
Worse—these same scam tricks (urgency, impersonation, fake links) are also used in business-targeted attacks like phishing and wire fraud. So teaching your team to spot charity scams also helps protect your whole company.
How To Keep Your Giving Smart and Safe
Here’s your holiday giving game plan:
- Create a Donation Policy: Decide how your business gives, and set approval rules.
- Train Your Team: Remind employees to double-check before donating under the company name.
- Use Trusted Sites: Always donate through official charity websites—not sketchy links in emails or DMs.
- Do Your Homework: If you’re promoting a cause publicly, make sure it’s a legit one.
- Follow Up: After you donate, check in. Reputable charities share updates on how they used your money.
Keep the Cheer, Ditch the Scams
The holidays are about giving from the heart—not losing your shirt. A few smart steps can keep your money (and reputation) where it belongs: doing good.
Want to make sure your team knows how to spot fake fundraisers, scammy emails, or sketchy payment requests?
🎁 Book your free discovery call today.
Because the best gift you can give your business—and your community—is trust that nobody can steal.