Beware of the Charity Scammers

A family loses their home. A relief fund seeks donations. A friend shares an urgent appeal. When someone needs help, it’s natural to want to give right away. Scammers take advantage of that generosity by creating requests that look convincing and feel urgent.

They may copy a real charity’s name and logo, use someone else’s photos or share a heartbreaking story to direct donations into their own accounts. Even a request shared by someone you know deserves a closer look. Your friend may be passing it along with good intentions without knowing who is behind it.

Before you donate, take a few minutes to check the request.

Check who is collecting the money

Start by identifying the person or organization asking for your donation. A familiar photo, emotional story or widely shared post does not confirm that a fundraiser is legitimate.

For a personal fundraiser, look for a clear explanation of who organized it, their connection to the person receiving help and how the money will reach that person. If you know the intended recipient, contact them directly using contact information you already trust.

If important details are missing or the organizer avoids straightforward questions, hold off until you can verify the request.

Find the charity yourself

If the appeal claims to come from a charity, visit the organization’s official website independently. Avoid relying on a link in an unexpected text, email or social media post.

Look closely at the organization’s name and website address. Scammers may use names or web addresses that closely resemble those of established charities. Familiar branding alone is not enough to confirm that you are in the right place.

Once you find the official website, check whether the fundraiser or donation request appears there. If you are still unsure, contact the organization using the information listed on its website.

Pause when the pressure starts

An urgent need does not mean you have to skip checking the details. Be cautious if someone insists you donate immediately, discourages questions or makes you feel guilty for taking time to verify the request.

Pay attention to how they want you to pay, too. Demands for gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers are warning signs. Before entering payment information, confirm who will receive the money and whether you are making a one-time or recurring donation.

You should feel comfortable with both the organization and the payment process before giving.

Act quickly if something feels wrong

If you think you donated to a scam, save the confirmation, messages, website address and any other details connected to the request. Those records can help when you report what happened.

If you used your Notre Dame FCU account or card, contact us promptly using a trusted phone number, such as the one on your card or our official website, to discuss next steps. If you paid through another financial institution or payment service, contact that provider as soon as possible.

You can also report suspected scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If the fundraiser appeared on a social media or fundraising platform, report it there as well.

Give with confidence

Helping others should be a decision you feel good about. Taking a few minutes to verify a request can help protect your money and ensure your donation reaches the people or cause you intended to support.

At Notre Dame FCU, we encourage members to make checking part of giving. When you know who is asking and where your money is going, you can support the causes that matter to you with greater confidence.