Charities & Disasters
Fake causes that appear after a hurricane, fire, or tragedy.
Disaster-Relief Charity Impersonation
After a hurricane, wildfire, or other disaster, scammers impersonate relief charities to collect 'donations' that never reach victims.
Read the guide →Fake Animal-Rescue Donation Scam
Fake animal-rescue appeals with heartbreaking photos collect donations for animals that don't exist or aren't theirs.
Read the guide →Fake Charity Scams
A pushy 'charity' — often after a disaster — pressures you to donate right now by app or gift card.
Read the guide →Fake Church Building-Fund Appeal
Scammers impersonate a church or ministry raising money for a building, mission, or emergency, diverting 'donations' to themselves.
Read the guide →Fake Crowdfunding / GoFundMe Scam
A fabricated fundraiser — a fake medical crisis, tragedy, or invented beneficiary — collects donations that go to the scammer, not any cause.
Read the guide →Fake Veterans / First-Responder Charity
Callers claiming to raise money for veterans, police, or firefighters use patriotic pressure and sound-alike names to collect donations that don't help anyone.
Read the guide →Religious 'Pastor Needs Gift Cards' Impersonation
A scammer poses as your pastor, priest, or church leader and asks you to buy gift cards for a 'member in need' or church purpose, promising reimbursement.
Read the guide →Sham 'Police / Firefighter Fund' Phone Drive
A caller claims to raise funds for local police or firefighters and implies your donation buys goodwill or a decal — but little or nothing reaches first responders.
Read the guide →War / Refugee-Relief Donation Scam
Fake humanitarian appeals tied to wars or refugee crises collect 'donations,' often in crypto, that never reach anyone in need.
Read the guide →
Not sure which one you’ve got?
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