Source: securityboulevard.com – Author: hmeyers
The holiday season brings out the best in people, with many feeling inspired to support worthy causes. Unfortunately, it also attracts scammers who prey on this generosity. Here’s how to ensure your donations reach legitimate charities while protecting your personal and financial information.
Verify Before You Give
Before opening your wallet, take these essential steps to verify a charity’s legitimacy:
Search the charity’s name on legitimate databases like:
– IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search
– Charity Navigator
– GuideStar
– BBB Wise Giving Alliance
Watch for slight misspellings or variations of well-known charity names, which scammers often use to deceive donors.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be wary of these common warning signs:
– High-pressure tactics or demands for immediate donation
– Requests for payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
– Unsolicited email attachments or links claiming to be from charities
– Organizations that can’t or won’t provide proof of tax-deductible status
– Charities that appear suddenly in response to current events or disasters
Digital Safety Best Practices
When donating online, protect yourself by:
– Always typing the charity’s URL directly into your browser instead of clicking links
– Verifying that the donation page URL starts with “https://” and shows a padlock icon
– Using credit cards instead of debit cards for better fraud protection
– Never saving your payment information on charity websites
– Creating unique, strong passwords for any accounts you create
Safe Ways to Give
The safest methods for charitable giving include:
1. Going directly to the charity’s official website
2. Using well-established giving platforms that vet organizations
3. Writing checks directly to the organization
4. Using your bank’s bill pay service
5. Contributing through your employer’s matching gift program
After You Donate
Protect yourself post-donation by:
– Keeping detailed records of all donations
– Monitoring your credit card and bank statements
– Saving confirmation emails and receipts
– Being alert for follow-up scams that reference your previous donation
When Disaster Strikes
During natural disasters or crises, exercise extra caution:
– Research before giving to newly formed organizations
– Consider supporting established charities with experience in disaster relief
– Be particularly wary of social media fundraising campaigns
– Verify crowdfunding campaigns carefully, even if shared by friends
Privacy Considerations
Protect your personal information by:
– Never providing more personal details than necessary
– Reading privacy policies to understand how your information will be used
– Opting out of mailing lists and information sharing when possible
– Using a dedicated email address for charitable giving
‘Tis the Season
Charitable giving is a wonderful way to help others and make a difference in your community. By following these security practices, you can ensure your generosity has the intended impact while protecting yourself from fraud. Remember: legitimate charities will never rush you into making a donation and will always be transparent about their operations and use of funds.
Remember to consult with financial and legal professionals for advice specific to your situation, and stay informed about the latest charity scams by checking the FTC’s Consumer Information portal regularly.
The Team at CISO Global wishes our readers a happy and safe holiday season! We look forward to sharing more insights with you in 2025!
The post Protecting Your Heart and Wallet: A Guide to Safe Charitable Giving appeared first on CISO Global.
*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from CISO Global authored by hmeyers. Read the original post at: https://www.ciso.inc/blog-posts/protecting-your-heart-and-wallet-a-guide-to-safe-charitable-giving/
Original Post URL: https://securityboulevard.com/2024/12/protecting-your-heart-and-wallet-a-guide-to-safe-charitable-giving/
Category & Tags: Security Bloggers Network,Blog Posts,charity,Cybersecurity,Donation,happy holidays,holidays,scam prevention – Security Bloggers Network,Blog Posts,charity,Cybersecurity,Donation,happy holidays,holidays,scam prevention
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