Charity scams
Charity scams work similarly to telemarketing scams. Fraudsters will usually contact you via telephone and ask for donations for a supposedly good cause when in reality they’re just looking for ways to line their own pockets.
We know that a lot of seniors are active members of their communities and they want to help as many people as possible.
In order to avoid getting scammed, though, you must first thoroughly research a charity before making any donations. You can do this by searching through a website such as Charity Navigator. You must also ask how they plan to use the money you donate, as you are entitled to know.
Furthermore, don’t donate using gift cards, cash, or via wire transfer as the chances of you getting your money back may drop significantly.
