Scam library · Phone calls · Texts · Email & phishing
Fake charity and disaster relief scam
After a hurricane or wildfire, a text or social media post asks you to donate to help victims. The organization has a caring name, photos of the disaster and a payment link.
The charity is fake, or the money doesn't reach anyone in need.
What the message looks like
From: +1 (504) 555-0177
Hurricane victims urgently need food and water. Donate $50 now to Gulf Families Relief Fund.
Give quickly via Zelle to reliefdonations@gulfhelp[.]org. Every minute counts.
How this scam works
Scammers move quickly after disasters, creating websites and social media accounts with names similar to real charities. Some impersonate well-known relief organizations.
They ask for donations by gift card, wire, crypto or payment apps. The FTC warns never to donate by cash, gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency, and to research charities first.
Some fake charities call, thank you for 'last year's pledge' you never made, and ask you to pay it now.
Crowdfunding pages can be legitimate, but some are created by people with no connection to victims. Check who's organizing and how funds will be used.
Giving to well-known, established organizations or checking a charity with independent watchdogs helps your money reach real people.
Fake charity callers often use emotional scripts and may claim to be raising money for veterans, police, firefighters or sick children, not only disaster victims. They may say your donation is tax deductible without proof. Ask for the charity's exact name and look it up yourself before giving.
Giving smart doesn't mean giving less. Taking a few minutes to check means more of your money reaches people who need it, and less ends up with scammers who exploit tragedies.
Red flags
- Pressure to donate immediately.
- Requests for gift cards, wire, crypto or payment app transfers.
- Names similar to well-known charities.
- Thanks for a pledge you never made.
- Vague details about how money is used.
How to tell it’s fake
- Research the charity with independent watchdogs.
- Donate through the charity's official website.
- Use a credit card for donations.
- Ask how much goes to the cause.
- Be wary of a 'charity' that only accepts payment-app transfers to a personal account.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Don't click links. Report suspicious charities at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you paid
- If you donated to a fake charity, contact your bank or card issuer.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared personal details, watch for identity theft.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard in Chrome and Edge on your computer checks charity sites and donation pages. It recognizes fake relief sites and risky payment requests. If a cause seems legit, a scam expert can help verify it.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- How do I check a charity?
- Use independent watchdogs and check the charity's official site.
- Is it safe to donate by text?
- Be careful. Donate through official sites instead.
- What if I never pledged?
- It's a scam tactic. Don't pay.
- Are crowdfunding pages safe?
- Some are, but check who runs them.
- Is it rude to say I'll check first?
- No. Real charities are happy for you to research them and donate later through their website.