Note: MOAA is a partner in the Cybercrime Support Network's Military and Veteran Program, which aims to protect servicemembers, veterans, and military families from falling victim to fraud. The below article from the Cybercrime Support Network's website is reprinted with permission.

Want more? Premium and Life members can watch a recent MOAA webinar on protecting yourself from holiday fraud. Not a member? Register here for a link to the recording.

‘Tis the season of generosity and cheer, and nothing warms our hearts more than giving to those in need during the holidays. It’s a time when we open our hearts and wallets to support not only our loved ones but also the charitable causes that matter most to us. In fact, did you know that a whopping one-third of all charitable donations take place in December? Now that’s a reason to be jolly!

But amidst the joy and goodwill, there’s a Grinch lurking in the shadows – cybercriminals who disguise themselves as charitable organizations to pilfer your hard-earned money. No worries, though; we’re here to shed some light on charity scams while keeping the holiday spirit alive!

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The Lowdown on Holiday Charity Scams

While there are countless wonderful and genuine charities doing important work, there will always be those Grinches who try to exploit our goodwill, especially during the festive season when our giving tendencies are on overdrive. These scammers cleverly mimic the names of well-known charities, often pulling at our heartstrings with causes like supporting veterans, children, or animal welfare.

Spotting the Signs of a Holiday Charity Scam

So, how can you tell if you’re dealing with a holiday charity scam? Keep an eye out for these telltale signs: 

• You receive a thank-you message for a donation you don’t remember making.
• The message is pushy, aggressive, or overly vague.
• When you ask questions, they can’t provide basic information about the charity’s mission and work.
• They request donations via gift cards or money transfer apps like Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo. Legitimate charities typically offer payment options such as credit cards or checks.
• The website’s URL just isn’t right. Scammers often create websites that look strikingly similar to legitimate charities but have subtle differences in the web address. Look for secure, well-established website domains.
• The charity’s website URL looks suspicious, or it lacks the “https://” or padlock symbol, indicating an insecure connection.
• They ask for personal information like your Social Security number or bank account details. A legitimate charity won’t make such requests.

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How to Steer Clear of Holiday Charity Scams

Here’s how to ensure your holiday giving goes where it’s needed most: 

• Take your time and ask questions; don’t rush into anything. Inquire about how your donation will be used and whether you’ll receive a tax-deductible receipt. If they can’t provide answers, it’s probably a scam.
• Check out the charity you plan to support on reputable directories like GuideStar or Charity Navigator. You can even search by keywords like “veterans” or “animal welfare” to find a trustworthy nonprofit that aligns with your passions.
• When making online transactions, always use a credit card for the best protection against scammers. If they insist on gift cards or money transfer apps, it’s a red flag.

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In a Nutshell

Don’t let the Grinches of holiday charity scams dampen your spirit of giving. Make wise choices by asking questions, conducting your due diligence, and using credit cards for donations, which offer the most protection. And if you happen to spot a suspicious charity, don’t hesitate to report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.FTC.gov. Remember, ’tis the season to spread joy, not scams!