Disaster charity scam

Within hours of an earthquake, hurricane, fire or conflict, fake appeals appear by text, social post and doorstep collection. Names are chosen to sound like real charities with one word changed. Payment is by transfer, crypto or cash — never a method that leaves a recoverable trail. Emotional urgency replaces the checks people would normally make, and legitimate charities are impersonated outright, logo and all.

• An appeal that reaches you unsolicited hours after the news breaks
• A charity name that is almost, but not quite, one you know
• Requests for crypto, wire transfer or cash only
• No registration number, and pressure to give right now

"URGENT: families are without shelter tonight. Every $50 sends a relief kit. Donate now via this link — 100% goes to victims."

1. 01Give directly through the charity's own website, typed by you.
2. 02Check the register: Charity Navigator, the IRS exempt list, or the Charity Commission.
3. 03Refuse doorstep collectors who cannot show identification.
4. 04Never donate by crypto or bank transfer to an appeal you did not seek out.