Holiday Donation Scams: What to Watch Out for When Donating Online
The holiday season is often described as “the season of giving”—a time when families, communities, and businesses across North Carolina come together to support causes that matter. Whether it’s helping local families in Raleigh, supporting a Durham nonprofit, or contributing to national disaster relief, charitable giving often rises sharply at the end of the year.
Unfortunately, this surge in generosity creates the perfect environment for scammers. Holiday donation scams have become increasingly sophisticated, hiding behind convincing websites, social-media posts, and fraudulent donation links. Their goal is simple: to take advantage of people who genuinely want to help.
If you’re planning to donate online—or your business is preparing to give during the holidays—understanding what to watch out for when donating online is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down the tactics scammers use, how to vet a fundraiser before donating, and what individuals and businesses in North Carolina should do to stay protected.
Why Holiday Giving Scams Peak This Time of Year
You may notice a wave of online charity campaigns between November and December. That’s because scammers know donors are emotionally driven during the holidays. Many people don’t hesitate to help when they see a story about:
- A struggling family
- A sick child
- Disaster relief
- Military or veteran support
- Pet rescue campaigns
These are real causes—just not always real fundraisers.
The FTC reported that fraudulent charity scams increase significantly during the holiday season, and experts warn that fake fundraisers online are spreading fastest on social media platforms.
In North Carolina, scams frequently target local communities by referencing familiar towns—Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Wake Forest, Apex, and Holly Springs—to appear legitimate. This “localization tactic” is designed to build trust quickly.
When you combine emotional appeal with urgency (“Donate now!” “Last chance to help!”), scammers often get exactly what they want—your money.
Common Types of Holiday Donation Scams
- Fake Social-Media Fundraisers
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok make it easy for scammers to create fake donation campaigns. They often steal real images, fabricate emotional stories, and circulate them rapidly.
If you see a post asking for crypto, gift cards, or urgent transfers, treat it with caution.
- Impersonation of Real Charities
Some scammers copy well-known nonprofit names, logos, or campaigns. The website may look professional, but the donation button redirects funds directly to the scammer.
- Holiday Fraud Through Email or Text
Email phishing remains one of the most successful forms of charity fraud. These messages may include:
- Urgent requests
- Suspicious donation links
- “Matching gift” schemes
- Appeals claiming to be from a trusted organization
- Payment Requests Through Unsecure or Unusual Methods
One of the biggest red flags of online charity scams is a request to donate using:
- Gift cards
- Cryptocurrency
- Wire transfer
- Peer-to-peer apps with no buyer protection
Legitimate charities rarely, if ever, use these methods.
- Misleading or Vague Fundraising Pages
Scam fundraisers often lack specific details such as:
- How donations will be used
- Who controls the funds
- How the organizer is related to the cause
- Verification from family, community members, or local organizations
If basic questions can’t be answered, that’s a warning sign.
How to Vet a Fundraiser Before Donating
Donating online safely starts with slowing down long enough to confirm whether the fundraiser is real. Here are the most reliable steps:
✔ Verify the Organizer
Look for clear information about the person or organization running the campaign. Do they have:
- A digital footprint?
- Social-media presence?
- A track record of community involvement?
✔ Check the Charity’s Website
The site should have:
- A clear mission
- Verified contact information
- A secure URL (HTTPS)
- A donation page embedded directly on the site
If it redirects to an unfamiliar platform, be cautious.
✔ Search for the Charity’s Name + “Scam”
Often, victims post warnings online. A quick search can reveal complaints or red flags.
✔ Review Payment Options
If you see only crypto, gift cards, or wire transfers—stop.
Legitimate charities accept credit cards, bank transfers, and checks.
✔ Look for Transparency
A real charity explains:
- How funds will be used
- Who is overseeing the project
- Timelines for distribution
If the details feel shallow or overly emotional, trust your instincts.
Red Flags for Charity Scams During the Holidays
To protect yourself and your business, watch out for these signs:
- High-pressure messages urging immediate action
- Fundraisers with no clear backstory
- Websites without HTTPS encryption
- Stories that can’t be verified
- Photos found in other places through reverse-image search
- Requests for non-traceable payments
- Social-media donation links from strangers
- No visible connection between the organizer and the cause
A legitimate fundraiser welcomes questions—scammers avoid them.
Safe Donation Practices for North Carolina Individuals
If you’re donating personally:
- Use the charity’s official website
Avoid clicking links in DMs or unsolicited messages.
- Check North Carolina charity registration
Charities operating in NC must be registered with the NC Secretary of State.
- Pay with traceable methods
Credit card, check, or the charity’s verified online portal.
- Keep a receipt
This protects you financially and assists with tax deductions.
- Confirm the charity’s impact
Most legitimate nonprofits share annual reports and updates online.
Safe Donation Practices for North Carolina Businesses
When businesses donate, the risks are higher because brand reputation is on the line. Here’s how companies can donate online safely:
- Create an Internal Donation Policy
Define:
- Who approves donations
- What types of charities are allowed
- Verification steps before contributing
- Train Employees
Connect donation-scam awareness to your cybersecurity training.
The same tactics used in charity fraud also appear in:
- Phishing attacks
- Fake vendor scams
- Business email compromise
- Verify Local Claims
If a fundraiser claims to be in Raleigh, Cary, or Durham—look for local news, business references, or community endorsements.
- Publicize Donations Only After Verification
Never promote a charity partnership until you’ve confirmed the organization is legitimate.
- Request Impact Reports
A legitimate charity should be transparent about how your business’s donation is being used.
Why Your Business Reputation Matters When Donating
Even a single fraudulent donation can damage customer trust.
Imagine this scenario:
A small IT firm in Cary donates to a fundraiser claiming to support “local veterans needing emergency winter supplies.”
The company posts it on social media to inspire goodwill. A week later, the donation link is exposed as a scam.
Not only is the money gone—so is a portion of the company’s credibility.
Customers expect businesses to make responsible decisions, and partnering with a fraudulent charity—even unintentionally—can harm your brand image.
Examples of How Scammers Target NC Businesses
Scammers often use:
- Emails impersonating local nonprofits
- Social-media appeals claiming proximity (“Help a Holly Springs family…”)
- Fraudulent websites copying legitimate NC charity names
- Urgent requests leveraging local natural disasters or events
Because North Carolina has strong community ties, scammers often exploit that sense of connection.
Checklist: How to Donate Online Safely This Holiday Season
Before donating, ask yourself:
✔ Is the fundraiser clearly connected to the cause?
✔ Does the website use HTTPS encryption?
✔ Is the payment method safe and traceable?
✔ Can I verify the charity independently?
✔ Does the story appear in local news or reputable sources?
✔ Is there pressure to donate immediately?
✔ Are detailed fund-use and timelines provided?
✔ If I’m donating as a business, does this align with our donation policy?
If any answer raises a red flag, pause and investigate.
Conclusion: Give Generously, but Give Safely
The holidays should be a time of warmth, compassion, and giving—not regret.
By learning how to vet a fundraiser before donating, recognizing red flags for charity scams, and following safe donation practices, individuals and businesses across North Carolina can ensure their generosity truly makes a difference.
Generosity is powerful—but informed generosity is safer, smarter, and far more impactful.