Consider taking the following actions:

• Read reviews: A quick online search should result in several user reviews of the charity in question. If the reviews are overwhelmingly negative and many people are reporting scam-like behavior, then it’s best that you steer clear of that charity. But even well-reviewed organizations can be fraudulent, so exercise due diligence and proceed with caution.  
• Check to see if the charity is registered: Make sure the charity you are interested in is a registered charity. Most states require charities to be registered if they solicit donations from the public. A registered status doesn’t necessarily guarantee that a charity is trustworthy, but it can indicate whether or not they are following state law.  
• Use a watchdog site: There are several trusted websites that are dedicated to connecting you with valid charities while warning you of others. Some of the best watchdog sites include Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and Candid.
• Check to see if the charity has a board of directors: Charities with a verified board of directors might signal that an organization is following best practices when it comes to legal and ethical procedures. For added peace of mind, consider doing further research on the board members themselves before committing your time or money to a charity.

It might seem obvious, but asking the right questions can reveal a lot about an organization. A legit charity that is operating under ethical standards shouldn’t have a problem answering questions concerning its operation. So if your questions appear to make an entity uncomfortable or avoidant, take that as a huge red flag. 

Here are some questions you can ask a charity in order to better ensure you’re not being taken advantage of.

• What are your organization’s short and long-term goals?

A legit charity will certainly have goals in mind that they want to accomplish. They should also be able to tell you what they’ve been able to achieve thus far and have quantifiable evidence to back up their claims. 

• What is your mission statement?

Every ethically-run organization will have a mission statement of some kind that clearly states what the purpose and values of the organization are. The mission statement should be easy to find just by going to the organization’s website.

• What security measures does your organization have in place to protect donors?

Protections should be put in place to ensure that your personal and financial information is secure. An organization’s security procedures should be clearly identifiable and easily verified once prompted. 

• What percentage of the money raised goes towards your cause(s)?

The charity should be able to tell you what percentage of its donations actually goes to the cause(s) they support. While ideally most of the money will be dedicated to the cause(s), some money will need to go to overhead costs. Be cautious of a charity that says 100% of its donations go directly to its cause(s).

Here are some other safety precautions you should take before donating to a charity, fundraiser or non-profit.

• Keep records of your charitable contributions.
• Never click on links or attachments you don’t recognize.
• Don’t provide any personal or financial information over the phone, in an email or through text.
• Check your accounts regularly for any suspicious activity or unauthorized charges. 
• Pay by credit card or check instead of cash or debit card.
• Never donate in the form of gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers. 
• Make sure your donations are tax-deductible.
• Take your time and don’t let anyone rush or pressure you into making a donation.