Donation or deception? The truth behind charity scams

The growth of social media and crowdfunding sites has given us ‌a number of options when it comes to donating to charitable causes all over the world — it’s easier than ever to support those who need it most, wherever they may be.

But this new landscape continues to be infiltrated by scammers who prey on people’s goodwill, and their exploitative tactics are constantly evolving. Falling victim to a fraudster who creates fake charities in order to steal your money is called a charity scam. In this post, we’ll explain what they look like, as well as what you can do to avoid becoming a victim.

What's a charity scam?

Charity scams are deceptive and predatory, targeting people’s kindness and generosity by exploiting real or fabricated crises. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a medical emergency, or a humanitarian cause, scammers create fake appeals to syphon money from unsuspecting donors.

How do they work?

• Fake fundraising campaigns: fraudsters create fake accounts or pages, often using images and stories stolen from genuine causes. They post urgent appeals for help, sharing links to imitation donation platforms.
• Impersonating real charities: scammers impersonate well-known charitable organisations by creating lookalike profiles. They then solicit donations, usually asking for payments through untraceable methods like cryptocurrency or wire transfers.
• Direct messages: fraudsters send direct messages with heartbreaking stories or fabricated emergencies, urging recipients to donate quickly before it's "too late".

How do I protect myself?

• Verify the source. Before donating, research the charity or campaign. Look for official websites and verify social media profiles through a checkmark, or similar verification indicators.
• Avoid immediate pressure. Legitimate charities rarely pressure people to donate immediately. Be catious of appeals that demand urgency without providing sufficient information.
• Donate securely. Use trusted platforms for donations, and avoid sending money directly through person-to-person payment apps unless you're certain of the recipient's legitimacy.

Revolut's fraud safety checklist

Social media and crowdfunding sites offer the chance to contribute to charities close to your heart, but come with their own set of risks. Stay safe while supporting the causes that matter most to you, by recognising the signs of scams and taking proactive measures to protect yourself. Remember these key tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud while using Revolut:

1. Stay informed: if you see a new charity drive on social media, check out the profile and any comments or reviews — and keep an eye out for alerts on fraudulent charities online. Remember, fraudsters constantly adapt their tactics to exploit new vulnerabilities. Our Revolut fraud and scams hub is a great place to start.
2. Be sceptical: make sure you examine any requests for donations by navigating to the charity’s official website. If their social media is visible on the page, check that the usernames, follower counts, and bios match the profile you’re interacting with.
3. Use secure payment methods: choose payment methods that provide buyer protection, and never transfer money directly to strangers. If possible, donate to charities directly through a trusted app, like Revolut Donations. Activate your Revolut single-use virtual card to keep your details hidden, and fraudsters out of the loop.
4. Report suspicious activity: if you suspect a scam, report it to Revolut and the platform hosting the fraudulent activity. If you think you may have been the victim of fraud, freeze your card and reach out to us in the app.

Online crowdfunding platforms are a double-edged sword — scammers exploit kindhearted people in the hope they won’t notice the warning signs, turning unsuspecting users into victims of fraud. 

Revolut provides you with a host of security controls, proactive warnings, and in-app educational materials to keep you safe and informed in real time. Whether you’re donating, buying, or selling online, staying aware of common scams will keep you one step ahead.