Disaster and Charity Scams: How to Give Safely
When a hurricane, wildfire or flood hits, people want to help right away, and scammers know it. They create look-alike charity names, fake fundraisers and urgent calls asking for donations. A few quick checks make sure your money helps. Checked October 25, 2026.
Give, don’t be rushed
Real charities will still take your donation tomorrow. If someone wants a donation in cash, by gift card or by wire transfer, the FTC says don’t do it. Pay by credit card or check instead.
Warning signs of a charity scam
- Pressure to give immediately.
- Requests for cash, gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
- A thank-you for a donation you don’t remember making.
- A name that’s close to a well-known charity.
- Emotional appeals that don’t say how the money will be used.
- Promises that your donation is tax-deductible when you can’t confirm it.
- A promise of sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a donation, which the FTC says is illegal.
- A local-looking phone number. Caller ID can be faked.
Check a charity in five minutes
- Search the name with “complaint,” “review,” “rating” or “scam.”
- Look up reports and ratings at BBB Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) or CharityWatch (charitywatch.org).
- Check tax status with the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
- Confirm registration with your state charity regulator (find yours at nasconet.org).
- Give through the charity’s own website, typed in yourself rather than through a link in a text or email.
Crowdfunding and social media fundraisers
- Give to people you know, or to fundraisers verified by the platform or a trusted organization.
- Check who actually receives the money before you donate.
- Be wary of new accounts posting emotional photos with a payment link.
After you give
- Keep records of every donation.
- Check your statements for amounts you didn’t agree to, or recurring charges you didn’t set up.
If you think you gave to a scam
- Contact your card issuer or bank to dispute the charge. See Get Help Now.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state charity regulator. Include the name, phone number and what the fundraiser said.
Other disaster scams
After a disaster, also watch for unlicensed contractors who demand cash upfront and people pretending to be government aid workers. See Home Repair Scams and Imposter Scams. The video guide Make Your Donations Count covers charity basics.
Quick checklist
- Charity name searched for complaints
- Rating checked at give.org or CharityWatch
- Tax status checked with the IRS
- Donated on the charity’s own site by card or check
- Records kept and statements checked
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to give money or goods after a disaster?
Many relief groups prefer money, which they can use for what’s most needed. Check with the charity before sending goods.
Can I give through a text-to-donate number?
Only if you’ve confirmed the number on the charity’s own website.
How do I stop charity calls?
Ask to be put on the charity’s do-not-call list, and see Stop Scam Calls on a Parent’s Phone.
Sources
- Donating Safely and Avoiding Scams, FTC Consumer Advice, accessed October 25, 2026
- After a disaster make your donations count, FTC Consumer Advice, accessed October 25, 2026
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This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. See our Disclaimer and Editorial Policy.
