December is a season of giving, and that charitable spirit is evidenced by the uptick in donations over the final month of the year. Perhaps inspired by Giving Tuesday, which is celebrated annually on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, donors tend to be especially generous in December. According to Donorbox, which provides an online fundraising platform to facilitate charitable donations, 31 percent of yearly charitable giving happens in December.
Nonprofit organizations undoubtedly recognize the spirit of generosity that surfaces each December, but criminals are likely cognizant of individuals’ desire to give back during the holiday season as well. Indeed, a 2023 press release from the United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina cited fake charities as one of the most common scams encountered by consumers during the holiday season. With that in mind, well-meaning prospective donors can learn to recognize common giving scams to ensure they are not victimized by criminals looking to prey on their generosity this holiday season.
· Fraudulent charities: Criminals targeting people who want to donate during the holiday season may set up fraudulent charities in an effort to trick people into giving them money. The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs notes that fraudulent charities may feature impressive names or a name similar to one used by a reputable, well-known charity.
· Phishing emails: Phishing emails have been around for decades, and for good reason. Such scams are easy to implement and highly successful. The Federal Trade Commission reported receiving 358,000 reports of scammers contacting individuals via email in 2023, and the real number is likely much higher, as few consumers take the time to report such emails to the FTC. Phishing emails typically prompt recipients to click on a link embedded in an email. These emails may seem as though they’re coming from an individual’s bank or credit card company, while others may indicate recipients can win a prize if they open the email and click on a link within it. The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs warns consumers against sharing their credit card information in an email, even if the sender claims to be from a reputable charity.
· Pressure tactics: Seeking to capitalize on the spirit of giving that surfaces each December, some scammers will pressure prospective donors and potential victims into making donations over the phone or via links embedded in an email. Reputable charities do not pressure donors into giving over the phone or via email, so solicitations for immediate donations are a telltale sign of a charity scam. If prompted to make donations with cash or via gift cards or wire transfers, hang up the phone, as the FTC notes such payment methods are how scammers request donations.
· Thank you messages: Another common giving scam is to thank potential victims for past donations they never made. This is an attempt to trick generous individuals into thinking they have a past relationship with a charity they believe is reputable, which might make them less inclined to vet the person or organization thanking them. Scammers are banking on establishing that false sense of security and trust, particularly during a notably busy time of year when donors may feel as though they don’t have the time to research organizations they want to support.
Scammers prey on individuals’ generosity each holiday season. More information about giving scams and how to avoid them is available at consumer.ftc.gov.
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