When you opt to support the causes you care about, you want to ensure your effort counts. Conducting some research and planning your donation will help ensure your money goes to where it will do good. These tips will help you plan your contributions and avoid charity scams.
• Conduct research online
When you want to donate to charity online in India, start by searching for a specific cause that means something to you, such as homeless children or hurricane relief. If you choose to give to a particular charity, look up its name and rating or complaint review.
• Be careful how you give the donation.
If you want to donate in cash, by wiring cash, or by gift card, be careful since this is how scammers ask people to pay. Paying by check or credit card is the safest way. It’s essential to keep a clear record of all your donations. Review the statements carefully and closely to ensure you are billed the amount agreed to give, and that you are not registered to make recurring donations.
• Keep scamming and fraud tricks in mind.
Never allow anyone to rush you to donate, as this is what scammers always do. Scammers will attempt to trick you into paying them by appreciating your donation. They can even change the caller ID so you can think of it from your area code.
Note that scammers in India might use names that look like the names of your potential charities. So, it’s essential to do thorough research before donating. They will also try to make sentimental and vague claims but offer zero specifics about how they will use the donations. Fraudulent agencies might claim that your giving is tax-deductible when it’s not. Lastly, guaranteeing sweepstakes winnings in exchange for donations is illegal and a scam.
If you notice any of the mentioned red flags, or you are not sure about how an organisation will use your money, consider another organisation. There are numerous worthy charities you can donate to charity online, and they use the money wisely.
