Veterans Day Scams – How to Spot and Avoid Them

With Veterans Day approaching, many Americans may be searching for opportunities to give back to those who have served our country by donating to charity. Unfortunately, scammers are known for taking advantage of Veterans Day and other major holidays to mislead prospective donors. FightCybercrime.org recently released an article discussing the top red flags of a veteran charity scam. According to the article, things to look out for include:

1. Receiving a thank you for a donation you don’t remember making

Fake charities will thank you for a donation that you never made in hopes that you will give “again” without questioning the legitimacy of their organization. If you receive communication that praises you for a donation you don’t remember making, proceed with caution.

2. Refusal to provide charity information

If a charity refuses to provide basic information about the organization itself or how your donation will be used, be wary. Legitimate organizations are happy to provide you with answers to all your questions before you donate. Prior to donating to any charity, we recommend doing some research. Search the charity’s name on sites like GuideStar, Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, which provide donors with free access to data, tools, and resources to make informative giving decisions.

3. Use of high-pressure tactics

Real charities appreciate donations whenever you are ready to give, so be wary of anyone who pressures you to donate right away. They are trying to get your money before you have time to do research or question their legitimacy. If someone is using high-pressure tactics to try to get you to donate, hang up or don’t respond until you’ve had time to do some investigating. We recommend running an internet search of the charity’s name followed by the word “scam” or “complaint”.

4. Requests for unusual payment method

If the charity asks you to donate using an unusual payment method like gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash or money transfer, it’s a scam. Scammers like these types of payment methods because they are untraceable. Credit cards or checks are much safer payment methods that can be tracked down if something goes wrong—and a legitimate charity will gladly accept these types of payment methods.

5. Demand for personal information

If a charity asks you to provide personal information—such as your Social Security Number or bank account number—it’s a scam. Real charities don’t need this type of information to process a donation. If you are required to provide personal information you aren’t comfortable sharing, look for another charity to donate to. To find a reputable charity, search for well-known organizations that support the cause you’re interested in.

Veterans Day is a day for honoring those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Sadly, veteran charity scams look to take advantage of Americans who wish to give back. Remember, when in doubt, do your research! Reputable charities will not pressure you into making a donation without answering your questions, and they will never ask for sensitive information. If you are targeted by a scammer, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov.

To learn more information about Veterans Day scams from FightCybercrime.org, visit:
https://fightcybercrime.org/blog/how-to-spot-veteran-charity-scams/