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Independent consumer protection publication Educational guidance — not legal or financial advice

Category: Donation Scam

Donation scams use fake charities, disaster appeals, prizes, and promised gifts to pressure people into sending money or personal details. See our donation and prize fraud guide.

How to use this Donation Scam resource

Donation scams exploit urgency, sympathy, disasters, prizes, and inheritance stories. Check the organization independently and never use payment details supplied only in an unsolicited message.

Frequently asked questions

How can I verify a charity?

Search the charity in official registries and navigate to its website independently instead of using the message link.

Are processing fees normal for donations or prizes?

No. Upfront tax, transfer, legal, or release fees are a common advance-fee fraud pattern.