Give Smart: How to Avoid Charity Scams While Helping Those in Need

By District Attorney Summer Stephan
 
Acts of generosity are a hallmark of our community. During the holidays, after natural disasters, and throughout the year, San Diegans step up to support causes that help neighbors in need, whether that’s disaster relief after wildfires or hurricanes, assistance for veterans, or support for local families facing hardship.
Unfortunately, scammers know this too.
Every year, our office sees cases where criminals exploit goodwill by impersonating legitimate charities. These scams increasingly show up through convincing emails, text messages, social media posts, phone calls, fake websites, QR codes, and even door-to-door solicitations. No one sets out to be scammed, but fraudsters are skilled at manipulating emotions and creating urgency.
You don’t have to stop giving to protect yourself. You just need to give smart.
Here are steps you can take to ensure your donations go where you intend:
Ask questions before you donate.
Legitimate charities welcome transparency. If someone pressures you to give immediately, that is a red flag.
Verify registration in California.
All charities operating in California—and the telemarketers who solicit on their behalf—must be registered with the California Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts. If they are not registered, do not donate.
Confirm IRS tax-exempt status.
If you are donating to a national charity based outside California, ask whether it is a registered 501(c)(3) organization with the IRS and request its Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can verify this information using the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search tool.
Donate to charities you know and trust.
Be cautious of organizations with names that closely resemble well-known charities. Scammers often rely on look-alike names and websites to confuse donors.
Do your research.
Take time to look up the organization online, understand how donations are used, and confirm legitimacy through trusted resources such as Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Give.org. Be especially cautious of links sent by text or social media and go directly to the charity’s official website instead.
Don’t be pressured.
Urgency, emotional manipulation, or threats are common scam tactics. Legitimate charities will allow you time to verify information and make an informed decision.
Be cautious with door-to-door solicitations.
If someone appears at your door asking for donations, do not feel obligated to give on the spot. Ask for written information and verify it independently before donating.
Protect your personal and financial information.
Never share your Social Security number or other sensitive personal information. Avoid donating by cash, which is untraceable, or check, which can expose your bank account information. Credit card donations are generally the safest option, as they provide documentation and the ability to dispute fraudulent charges if necessary.
Giving is a powerful way to strengthen our community, but only when your generosity reaches legitimate causes. By staying informed and taking a few extra steps, you can protect yourself while continuing to make a real difference.
If you believe you’ve encountered a charity scam, report it to local law enforcement or the California Attorney General’s Office.
Together, we can keep compassion strong and scammers out of our community.
If you suspect you were scammed out of a donation:
• Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission.
• File a consumer complaint with the California Attorney General. I hope these tips help you avoid the grinches this holiday season. On behalf of our entire team at the District Attorney’s Office, which is dedicated to building safe and healthy communities, we wish you a joyful and safe holiday season.