The season of giving often brings out the best in people, but unfortunately, it can also bring out scammers. Charity scams spike during the holidays, as fraudsters pose as legitimate organizations to take advantage of generous donors.
Here are a few tips to make sure your donation goes where it’s needed most:
- Verify before giving. Check the charity’s official website or look it up on sites like CharityNavigator.org or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
- Avoid pressure to give immediately. Real charities won’t rush you or demand payment through gift cards or wire transfers.
- Watch for look-alike names. Scammers often use names that sound similar to well-known charities.
- Donate through secure websites only. Look for “https” in the URL before entering payment information.
If something doesn’t feel right, take a step back and research before donating. At Bank of Bozeman, we want you to give confidently and safely this holiday season.