Scammers create fake fundraisers or hijack real charity pages on social platforms to trick generous donors into sending money that never reaches the intended cause.
What Are Donation & Charity Fraud Scams?
Con-artists set up counterfeit donation pages—often mimicking well-known nonprofits—or take control of legitimate accounts to post urgent appeals after disasters or crises.
Real-World Example
Following a major hurricane, scammers launched a fake GoFundMe page claiming to support relief efforts. They collected thousands of dollars before the platform removed the fraudulent campaign.
How to Spot These Scams
Look for mismatched URLs, poorly written descriptions, lack of verifiable contact details, or appeals shared only in comments rather than through official charity channels.
How to Protect Yourself
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Donate via official websites—visit the nonprofit’s verified page rather than clicking social links.
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Verify campaign legitimacy—check Charity Navigator or GuideStar for registered status.
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Watch for pressure tactics—legitimate fundraisers don’t demand immediate payment.
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Report suspicious pages—use the platform’s “Report” function.
If You’ve Been Targeted
Contact your payment provider to dispute charges, report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP, and notify the social media platform.
