7 clear indicators of charity scams
Donating to charity is a humble act that can reward one mentally and emotionally. One can support a charity through cash or kind, including giving clothes, food, and vehicles for transportation. However, it is important to be careful while donating, as scammers may try to deceive one into donating money to a fake charity. Therefore, one must look for signs of a charity scam before donating. Below are seven such signs to watch for. Lack of charity details An organization that refuses to provide detailed information, such as its mission statement and operational costs, might not be the right place to invest. If approached about donating online or in person, one must ask questions, including the fund’s purpose and the organization’s tax-exempt (EID) number. One could also inquire about the location of the charity’s headquarters and the percentage of donations directed towards the program. A pushy volunteer Several scammers use high-pressure tactics to compel people to donate to a fake charity. Some may even manipulate donors into feeling guilty for not donating. On the other hand, a reputable charity will always want donors to feel good about their contribution and will give several reasons and time for one to decide.