With so many worthy causes to support this holiday season, ensuring your donations are going to the right place is important. Unfortunately, scammers are often ready to take advantage of your generosity.

These fraudsters can be very convincing, sometimes using names similar to trusted charities to trick people into donating. To help you avoid falling for a scam, follow these tips:

1. Take your time. Don’t feel pressured to donate, especially if the request comes over the phone. If you see a fundraiser on social media, confirm that the person who shared it knows the charity or individual behind the cause.

2. Do some research. Before giving, look up the charity's name along with keywords like “complaint,” “review,” “rating,” or “scam.” Trusted sites like the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Watch, and Candid can also help you verify the charity’s legitimacy.

3. Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can easily fake caller ID to make it seem like the call is coming from a local number or a reputable organization, even if it’s not. The caller could be anywhere in the world.

4. Check the charity's website. A trustworthy charity should provide detailed information about its mission, programs, and usage of donations. Be cautious if the website doesn’t give clear details or is hard to navigate.

5. Be careful with payment methods. If a charity asks for donations through cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps, or gift cards, it’s likely a scam. The safest ways to donate are by credit card or check.

For more information on how to avoid charity scams, visit ftc.gov/charity.