SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who provides free legal services for low income seniors in San Mateo County, California.

June 9, 2020

COVID-19 DONATION SCAMS

Many generous persons wish to help unfortunate persons who have suffered through disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Scammers know of and capitalize on that goodwill.

Scammers create sham charities mimicking the real thing. They reach you via telemarketing, direct mail, email and door-to-door solicitations. They create well-designed websites with deceptive names.

A few things to consider before you donate:

*Do some research. There are many good organizations to support. Search online for recommendations — and, when you have found one that is well thought of, check it out. Type the group or fund’s name into a search engine, plus the word “scam, “review,” or “complaint.”

*Consider how you pay. Real charities will not ask you to pay by cash, money transfer, gift card, or Bitcoin. If someone tells you to donate that way, consider donating elsewhere.

*Research crowdfunding. Legitimate funds that give real help may spring up right after a tragedy. But scammers put up crowdfunding pages and it can be hard to tell the difference.

*Slow down. If someone rushes you, slow down. Scammers want to get your money as soon as they can before you have adequate time to think about a request.

*Research online. The Federal Trade Commission recommends searching for a charity’s name or a cause you want to support with terms such as “highly rated charity,” “complaints” and “scam.” http://www.ftc.gov/charity.

*Check how watchdogs like Charity Navigator, CharityWatch and the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance rate an organization before you donate. Your state’s charity regulator can verify that the organization is registered to raise money there.

*Ask how much of your donation goes to overhead and fundraising. One rule of thumb, used by Wise Giving Alliance, is that at least 65 percent of a charity’s total expenses should go directly to serving its mission.

*Keep a record of your donations and regularly review your credit card account to make sure you were not charged more than you agreed to give or unknowingly signed up for a recurring donation.

Do not:

*Do not give personal and financial information like your Social Security number, date of birth or bank account number to anyone soliciting a donation. Scammers use that data to steal money and identities.

*Do not donate with cash, gift card or wire transfer. Credit cards and checks are safer when donation to a legitimate charity.

*Do not donate by text without confirming the phone number on the charity’s official website.

You can report any suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission: http://www.ftc.gov, or
call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360.

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