How to donate wisely and avoid scams
- Look up a charity’s report & ratings: • give.org • guidestar.org • charitywatch.org • charitynavigator.org
- Never pay by gift card or wire transfer. Credit card and check are safer.
- Watch out for names that only look like well-known charities.
- Search the charity name online. Do people say it’s a scam?
- Ask how much of your donation goes to the program you want to support.
- Donating online? Be sure where that money is going.
Federal Trade Commission • ftc.gov/charity