Avoiding Charity Scammers
Randi Weaver – Good Giving Planner
As the end of the UK tax year approaches, many of us are prompted to make an extra donation to a favourite charity. The good weather and longer days may also result in additional doorstep fundraising and street collections.
With generosity comes responsibility. Let’s all be vigilant to avoid the ever-increasing number of charity scams and ensure that our donations go to genuine charities in support of their vital good work.
Below are 8 tips to protect your hard-earned donations.
1. Give Thought to Possible Beneficiaries and Size of Donation in Advance
Throughout the year, having a ‘good giving game plan,’ however basic or high level, will keep you on track.
With some forward planning, you will be less susceptible to rogue fundraisers and higher-than-budgeted amounts.
This will help take the emotion out of an unsolicited approach from a fundraiser and help you to consider and decide the next steps with more clarity.
2. Beware of High-Pressure Tactics
Legitimate charities will never push for an immediate donation.
Urgency may be introduced to prevent you from researching the organisation.
A bona fide charity will not only not rush your decision, but they will also assist you in your information gathering.
3. Check for Clear Mission and Financial Transparency
Before making any donation, not just a large donation, check that the charity is registered with the Charity Commission, has a clear mission and complete financial transparency.
All of this information may be obtained on the Charity Commission website and on a charity’s own website.
4. Watch Out for “Look-Alike” Charity Names
Fake charities often use names that sound like bona fide charities, luring donors into a false sense of security.
Again, checking the Charity Commission website, using the exact spelling you have been given, will reveal all.
5. Be Cautious about Unsecure Payment Methods
Scammers often insist on receiving payments via cash, wire transfers or unfamiliar payment apps.
All these methods may be challenging to trace and impossible to recover.
Legitimate charities accept donations via credit card and secure portals on their website.
6. Suspicious Links in Emails or Social Media
As with all internet use, be wary about clicking on embedded links or downloading attachments.
Instead, visit the charity’s website to find information on a specific campaign and the payment link.
7. Request a Detailed Donation Receipt
A legitimate charity will offer a donation receipt or provide one readily when asked. If one is not available, that is a red flag.
8. Trust Your Instincts and Take Your Time
Your instincts are often your best guide when evaluating a charity.
Take your time and ask questions.
Know that it is OK to walk away.
In Conclusion
Rest easy knowing that Action Fraud works with the Charity Commission to prevent charity scams across the UK. Any suspicious charity or fundraising appeal may be reported to Action Fraud via their website or the telephone number provided there.
With over 170,000 registered charities in the UK, you are spoiled for choice in your chosen cause area and geography.
Most fundraising appeals are genuine, so the risk of fraud should not curtail your good giving but be alert and prevent fraudsters from exploiting your goodwill.
Let’s make every donation a good one, at tax time and throughout the year.
Next Steps
As always, if you’d like to start a conversation about your charitable and good-giving plans, please contact me at hello@longhurst.co.uk.
