The holidays bring out generosity — and unfortunately, the scammers who exploit it.
When emotions are high and giving increases, cybercriminals see opportunity.
A few years ago, a massive telefunding scam was uncovered after making 1.3 billion deceptive donation calls and stealing over $110 million from well-meaning donors. Around the same time, Cornell researchers found more than 800 social media accounts running fake fundraisers online.
For businesses, a single mistake in charitable giving doesn’t just cost money — it can tie your name to fraud, damage your reputation, and erode trust with clients and partners.
Here’s how to spot red flags, vet charities, and make sure your generosity actually makes a difference.
- How To Vet A Fundraiser Before You Donate
Before contributing to any campaign, confirm the basics:
✅ Who is organizing it, and what’s their connection to the recipient?
✅ How will the funds be used, and when?
✅ Who controls withdrawals, and is there a clear way to trace the funds?
✅ Do close contacts of the recipient publicly support the campaign?
If answers are vague or evasive — stop there. Silence is a red flag.
- Red Flags That Often Signal Scams
Be cautious if you see:
🚨 Copycat or impersonated fundraiser pages
🚨 Stories that sound overly emotional or “too perfect”
🚨 Requests for unusual payment methods (gift cards, wire transfers, crypto)
🚨 Urgent “donate now” pressure tactics
When in doubt, verify through independent sources or report suspicious campaigns.
- Vetting Charities — Not Just Crowdfunds
Even legitimate-looking charities can hide sketchy practices.
Before you donate:
- Check for transparent program details and annual reports
- Research how much funding goes to actual programs vs. overhead
- Search the charity’s name alongside “fraud” or “scam” to spot warning signs
If you can’t find clarity, consider giving elsewhere.
- Why This Matters For Your Business
When your business donates publicly or privately, that generosity reflects your brand.
A single fraudulent donation can:
- Damage your credibility with clients and partners
- Erode customer trust
- Link your name to unethical causes
- Invite scrutiny from the media or insurance carriers
Even worse, the same tactics used in charity scams — urgency, impersonation, fake links — also appear in phishing and wire fraud attacks. Training your team to spot one helps them recognize all.
- How To Protect Your Business (And Your Goodwill)
✅ Set a Giving Policy: Define how and where donations are approved.
✅ Educate Employees: Remind staff to verify campaigns before donating under your company name.
✅ Use Trusted Channels: Donate directly through verified charity websites, not via email or social media links.
✅ Stay Transparent: Publicly verify any organization your business supports.
✅ Monitor Follow-Up: Review that your donations are used as promised — reputable charities share updates.
Keep Your Holidays Generous — Not Risky
The holidays should be about giving back — not cleaning up a financial mess.
Smart checks and simple policies protect your business, your employees, and your reputation.
Want to ensure your team can spot scams — from fake fundraisers to phishing emails?
👉 Click here to Book your 10-Minute Cyber Risk Discovery Session
Because the best gift you can give your business (and your community) is trust that can’t be stolen.
