Give Smart: Protecting Yourself From Giving Tuesday Scams

Giving Tuesday is one of my favorite days of the year. After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we pause and focus on what really matters—helping others and supporting causes we care about. North Carolina entrepreneurs and small business owners are incredibly generous, forming the backbone of local charities, youth sports leagues, and community fundraisers.

Scammers know this too. And they're counting on your good heart.

Be careful on Giving Tuesday

The FBI reports that Americans lost at least $94 million annually to fraudulent charities, crowdfunding accounts, and disaster relief campaigns. Here's how to give smart this Giving Tuesday and ensure your generosity helps real people in need.

How to Verify Before You Give

Before you open your wallet, take these steps to protect yourself from Giving Tuesday scams:

Start with charities you know. The safest donations are to organizations you're personally familiar with or that have a visible presence in your community. If you're exploring a new charity, that's fine—just do your homework first.

Use trusted verification resources. You can verify that a charity is legitimate and licensed in North Carolina through several sources:

• Call the NC Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM

• Check the charity's license with the NC Secretary of State's Charities & Fundraisers Search

• Research ratings and financials through Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance,Charity Navigagor, Charity Watch, or GuideStar

• Check if the donation will be tax deductible. 

Be cautious with social media appeals. Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe have helped countless people, but scammers use them too. Before contributing to a social media fundraiser, take time to research the organizer. Can you find them online? Do their details check out? Can you verify their identity? If not, don't contribute.

Ignore unsolicited requests. Don't respond to unexpected calls, emails, or text messages asking for donations, even if they look legitimate. These could be phishing scams or direct you to fake websites. Instead, go directly to the charity's official website using a URL you've verified.

Ask about fundraising costs. Here's something many people don't know: some telephone fundraisers keep up to 90% of the money they collect. There's no legal minimum they have to give to the charity. Your donation goes much further when you give directly to the organization rather than through a telemarketer.

How to Donate Safely

Once you've verified a charity is legitimate, follow these best practices:

Pay by credit card when possible. Credit cards offer the best protection against fraud. You can dispute charges if something goes wrong, and you'll have documentation for tax purposes. If you pay by check, make it out to the charity itself—never to an individual fundraiser.

Protect your personal information. Don’t share personal financial information by email, social network or text message.  If you donate online, use a secure website.  Look for a lock icon and a web address that starts with “https”.

Go directly to the official website. Don't click on donation links in emails or social media posts, even if they look real. Instead, type the charity's URL directly into your browser or find their official contact information through a verified source.

Keep records. Save receipts, confirmation emails, and any correspondence about your donation. You'll need these for tax deductions and to verify that your gift was received.

A Word for Small Business Owners

If you own a small business in North Carolina, you're likely approached regularly by people seeking donations or sponsorships. It's flattering, and you want to support your community. But remember: your business success allows you to give more over time. Protecting your business from charity scams is just as important as protecting your personal finances.

Before your business donates:

• Ask for written information about the organization's mission and how funds will be used

• Request the charity's Tax ID number (EIN) to verify their tax-exempt status

• Review their financial statements if available

• Never feel pressured to decide on the spot, especially for large contributions

The Bottom Line

Giving Tuesday is about generosity, not guilt. Real charities will respect your desire to make informed decisions. They'll answer your questions, provide documentation, and give you time to think.

Your generosity matters. Every dollar you give thoughtfully makes a real difference in someone's life. Don't let scammers exploit that goodness.

If you think you've encountered a charity scam, file a complaint with Attorney General Jeff Jackson's Consumer Protection Division at ncdoj.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. Your report could prevent others from being victimized.

This Giving Tuesday, give generously, but give smart.