Tips to donate safely

Below are some tips to ensure that your generosity reaches its intended recipient. If you have additional suggestions, please share them in the comments below. Also, consider reposting this message to your neighbors on Nextdoor by clicking the "Share" button/arrow below and selecting "Repost."

1. **Research Charities**: Always investigate the charity to ensure it is legitimate and that your donation will be used as intended. For example, 

check the IRS website to confirm their registration and legitimacy.

2. **Be Cautious of New Charities**: When a disaster occurs, be cautious of new charities that suddenly appear, as scammers often create fake organizations to exploit people's generosity. Carefully examine the web address to ensure it matches the correct charity name, and look for spelling errors or suspicious variations.

3. **Use a Credit Card**: Donating with a credit card can provide better protection against fraud. 

4. **Don't Rush Your Decision**: Remember, if a charity is still there on Monday, it will likely still be there on Tuesday. Avoid high-pressure pitches to donate immediately.

5. **Protect Your Information**: Like any other fraud prevention strategy, avoid wire transfers, giving out personal information or account numbers, and using gift cards for donations.