Ah, Giving Tuesday—a day where the world collectively decides to empty their pockets for a good cause, or at least that’s the intention. But not so fast! Before you become a philanthropist this holiday season, let’s make sure your hard-earned cash isn’t going straight into the hands of some sneaky scammer with a fake charity name like “Save The Kittens United…Oh, and Also Your Money.”

Verify Before You Give

First things first, you need to confirm that the charity you’re supporting isn’t just a fancy name cooked up to confuse you. Remember, “The American Red Cross” is not the same as “The American Read Croissants.” Start by checking out the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Watch. They rate how charities spend donations and operate—think of them as the Yelp reviews for charitable giving.

And don’t forget your state charity regulator! In most places, charities need to be registered. If they aren’t, that’s a red flag the size of a giant inflatable Santa.

Follow the Money

Just because a charity sounds like it’s all about saving puppies doesn’t mean that’s where your donation is going. Call the charity directly and ask how your money will be used. Or, check out their website—because who doesn’t love a good deep dive into an organization’s financials, right?

Pay the Smart Way

When it comes to donations, your safest bet is using a credit card or writing a check. If someone insists you pay with cryptocurrency, a payment app, gift card, or by wiring money, they’re probably up to no good. Seriously, when was the last time you donated to a reputable cause with a Target gift card?

Ah, social media—the birthplace of all things dubious. If you see a friend sharing a crowdfunding page, pause before you click. Make sure you know who’s handling the funds and that they’re actually related to the cause you want to support. Remember, not all heroes wear capes, but some wear fake identities.

Be a Scam Spidey

If you suspect a charity is more “Scrooged” than “Scrooge,” report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. They’ll want to hear all about your experience, and you’ll be one step closer to saving others from the same fate!

So, this Giving Tuesday, let’s make sure your donations go to the right places and not into the pocket of someone who thinks they’re being clever with a scam. Because at the end of the day, we all just want to make the world a better place, one verified charity donation at a time.

For more information, check out the original article at FTC’s official website.

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/11/donate-charities-not-scammers-giving-tuesday