Keep Your Donors Safe from Scams Post-Hurricane

With the recent rise in charity scams following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, it’s important to keep your donors safe and your organization’s reputation strong. The IRS has issued a warning about fake charities targeting disaster-relief supporters, and donors need our guidance now more than ever.

Here’s How to Protect Your Donors (and Your Non-Profit) from Scammers:

Communicate Early & Often: Reach out to your supporters to confirm your organization’s approved donation channels, like direct website donations or verified payment portals. This reassurance helps them avoid scams.

Guide Them to Verification: Share a quick reminder in your emails, newsletters, or social posts to use the IRS’s Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool, ensuring donors can confirm your organization’s tax-exempt status.

Warn Against Unusual Payment Requests: Remind donors that you’ll never ask for donations via gift cards, wire transfers, or cash. Encourage them to verify any unfamiliar donation requests with your organization directly.

Remind Donors About Privacy: Assure your donors that you’ll never request sensitive data (like Social Security numbers) as part of their donation process. Offer a clear link to secure donation pages for added peace of mind.

By proactively protecting your donors from fraud, you not only safeguard their contributions but strengthen their trust in your organization’s mission.

Stay safe and keep up the impactful work!