How to Spot a Scam Before Your Good Deed Turns Into a PR Nightmare
Hey friend,
The holidays bring out the best in us—but sadly, they also bring out the worst in scammers.
This is the time of year when our hearts are open, we’re in a rush, and we want to give back. And that’s exactly why shady fundraisers and fake charities are more active than ever.
Even just a few years ago, one scam operation made over 1.3 billion fake donation calls—yes, billion—and collected more than $110 million before getting shut down.
And over 800 fake accounts on social media were caught pushing made-up causes. (Yep, some of them even used real people’s photos.)
That’s the kind of fraud that can do more than drain your wallet. If your business name gets tied to a scam, it can cost you trust, clients, and credibility with your community.
So today, let’s talk about how to give wisely—and how to protect your business while still doing good.
🧐 Ask These Questions Before You Donate
Before your team supports any fundraiser—especially those shared on social media—do a little digging. A legit campaign should be able to clearly answer:
✔️ Who’s running this?
✔️ What’s their connection to the person or cause?
✔️ How exactly will the money be used—and when?
✔️ Who controls the funds and how will they be distributed?
✔️ Are family, friends, or official orgs backing this publicly?
If the answers are fuzzy or feel like smoke and mirrors, that’s your cue to pause.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
When it comes to donation scams, you’ll often see a few warning signs:
🔴 A story that feels too perfect or plays too hard on emotions
🔴 Details about how money will be used are missing or vague
🔴 The fundraiser copies someone else’s story or uses fake identities
🔴 No updates after the money is raised—or the funds don’t go where they said they would
One red flag? Maybe.
Two or more? Walk away.
🏢 Even Established Charities Deserve a Quick Check
Just because it’s a “known” organization doesn’t mean it’s the right place to send your money. Here’s what a responsible nonprofit should have on their website:
✔️ A clear mission and recent annual reports
✔️ A breakdown of where your money goes (not just vague “impact”)
✔️ A secure website (look for https with the “s”)
✔️ Good reviews and no weird search results when you Google their name + “scam”
If you see sketchy reviews or no real financials? Hit pause.
💻 Sneaky Tactics Scammers Use (So You Can Spot Them Fast)
These are the digital red flags that should make you slam the brakes:
🚫 Pressure to donate right now—urgency is a manipulation tool
🚫 Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto only—major red flag
🚫 Claims that you already donated or pledged something (when you haven’t)
🚫 Suspicious links from emails or social posts—especially if they don’t match the actual charity website
Even if the fundraiser looks polished, professional, or heartfelt—scammers know how to fake sincerity.
🛡️ How to Keep Your Business Protected While Giving Generously
Whether you’re donating directly or just letting employees give in your name, here’s how to keep it safe:
1. Create a Giving Policy
Decide who can approve donations, what types of causes you support, and how gifts are tracked.
2. Train Your Team
A quick email or meeting explaining what fake fundraisers look like can stop a costly mistake. Teach them to verify before they click.
3. Stick to Official Channels
If you’re donating online, always go straight to the organization’s official website—don’t trust links in emails or social posts.
4. Stay Transparent
If you’re sharing your donations publicly (like on social media), double-check that the charity is 100% legit. One slip-up can snowball.
5. Follow Up
Great nonprofits post updates and results. Take a look after donating to make sure the money went where it was supposed to.
🎄 Keep the Spirit of Giving—Without the Regret
You’ve worked hard to build a business that cares about people. Scammers shouldn’t get to piggyback off your generosity.
But the same sneaky tricks that show up in charity scams—fake links, urgency, emotional bait—are also used in business-targeted fraud. When you teach your team how to spot one, you help them spot the others too.
🎁 Want help showing your team how to recognize fraud—whether it’s a fake fundraiser, a phishing email, or a bogus invoice?
👉 Book a free discovery call here.
Let’s keep your business generous and protected.
Because the best gift you can give your company this season is a reputation built on trust—and the peace of mind that no scammer can steal.