Charity Scam

Fake appeals that exploit generosity, often after disasters.

How it appears in scam messages

Charity scams use urgency and sympathy, often spiking after a disaster, conflict, or seasonal appeal. A message, social post, or 'collector' asks for fast donations by transfer, crypto, or gift card, sometimes copying a real charity's name and logo. Giving through the charity's own official website avoids sending money to an impostor.

Example only - do not act on it

Example only: Urgent relief appeal — donate now via this link to help families today. [link removed]

Why it matters

Giving through official charities avoids diverting money to scammers.

Common red flags

Emotional pressure to give immediately
Donations requested by transfer, crypto, or gift card
A copied charity name with a slightly different link
No verifiable charity registration or official site

Safe next steps

Stop and verify through official channels you find yourself
Never share codes, passwords, or card details from a message
Use the message checker if you are unsure
Report and block the sender

Check a suspicious message

See the red flags in a real message and what to do next.

Check a message

PhishingPhishing is when a scammer pretends to be a trusted person or organisation to trick you into revealing passwords, codes, or financial details, or into clicking a malicious link.

Related scam messages you can check

Related scam-type hubs

Related red flags

Emergency guides

Frequently asked questions

How can I avoid charity scam?

Slow down, never act on urgency, and verify through official apps or websites you open yourself. Use the free checker if a message seems off.

What if I have already been affected?

Contact your bank or the relevant provider through official channels, change any exposed passwords from a trusted device, and save evidence. See our recovery guides.