Charity Scams

Jar with sign saying please give

Fraudulent charity requests, fake disaster relief efforts, and deceptive event offers are scams that exploit people's generosity and trust. They involve posing as legitimate organizations to collect donations or personal information for fraudulent purposes. It is crucial to verify the authenticity of such requests to avoid falling victim to these deceitful practices.

Scammers may trick you into providing monetary donations or purchasing event tickets that don't exist, resulting in a loss of funds. Fraudulent requests may aim to collect personal information such as your name, address, and credit card details, putting you at risk of identity theft or further financial fraud.

  • An unexpected phone call, email, text message, or social media message asking for donations or offering event tickets. Legitimate organizations typically have established channels for soliciting donations.
  • High-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency, urging you to donate or purchase tickets immediately without giving you time to research or think it through.
  • Vague or ambiguous descriptions of the cause, event, or organization. Scammers may lack specific details or use generic names to deceive you.
  • Payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency is a red flag. Legitimate organizations usually offer more secure payment options like checks and credit cards. 

  • Research the organization or event independently. Look for official websites, contact information, and reviews from trusted sources. Legitimate charities often have registered nonprofit status with the IRS.
  • Check the charity’s credentials on charity watchdog sites. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, and GuideStar provide various resources on charitable organizations, including ratings, reviews, and tax and financial data.
  • Instead of responding to unsolicited requests, make donations directly to the organization through the official website or reputable channels. This ensures your donation goes to the intended cause. Ensure the payee is the charity or event manager rather than a third party.
  • Be cautious about sharing personal data and sensitive details like your Social Security number or financial account information. Legitimate organizations typically do not require such information during the donation process.
  • If you suspect you've been scammed, immediately contact your financial institution to report the fraudulent transaction and take the necessary steps to protect your accounts.

  • For county residents, please report scams to the MCPD’s non-emergency number at 301-279-8000. There is no web portal for reporting crimes. Also, please be aware that electronic mail is inherently insecure, so do not send sensitive data via email. Use of email does not assure the confidentiality of your sensitive data, nor does it constitute an MCPD incident report. Please provide them with any evidence or details you have to assist in their investigation.
  • You can also report scams to other authorities as described in  Reporting Fraud. 
  • Share your experience with family and friends and on social media platforms to alert others about the scam and prevent them from falling victim.  However, beware that scammers monitor social media to offer so-called “ recovery scams,” claiming to recover your losses for a fee. 
  • Review your bank statements, credit reports, and other financial accounts for unauthorized activity. Report any suspicious charges or accounts to the respective institutions. See  Identity Theft for additional ways to protect your finances. 

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