How can donors avoid charity scams on Giving Tuesday? FTC provides guidance

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With Giving Tuesday and year-end fundraising underway, the Federal Trade Commission is urging Americans to be cautious as donation requests fill inboxes, phones and social media feeds. Consumer protection groups warn that not all organizations contacting potential donors are legitimate charities.

The FTC is providing guidance in how donors can identify a charity scam. The agency said scammers often use names that closely resemble well-known nonprofits to trick people into giving. Officials recommend confirming the exact name of any charity and checking its track record through independent evaluators such as BBB Wise Giving Alliance or CharityWatch . Donors can also verify whether a charity is properly registered with their state, a requirement in most places.

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