EXPLAINERWhat is a Charity / Donation Solicitation?

Charity and donation solicitation calls request money for various causes, including veterans, disaster relief, medical research, or local charities. While many legitimate charities use phone fundraising, scammers often impersonate well-known charities to steal donations.

WATCH FORWarning signs

• Pressure to donate immediately
• Requests payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
• Vague descriptions of how funds will be used
• Refuses to provide written information about the charity
• Claims you've donated before when you haven't
• Emotional manipulation or guilt-tripping tactics

PROTECTHow to protect yourself

• Verify charities through Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau
• Never donate over the phone - use official charity websites
• Ask for the charity's tax ID number and verify it
• Be suspicious of high-pressure tactics
• Research charities independently before donating
• Report charity scams to the FTC and your state attorney general