Hi, I want to donate to help people affected by recent floods, but I’ve heard that some donation scams pop up after disasters. How can I make sure that the charity I give to is legitimate? I want to help, but I also don’t want my money to end up in the wrong hands. Are there ways to check the authenticity of these organizations quickly, without spending too much time, while still making sure my donations reach the right people?

You should be careful, especially during emergencies. I recommend reading After Disasters, Prepare for Scams, which explains how scammers impersonate charities. Always check official websites and confirm the charity’s registration. Avoid giving money to unknown organizations or people who show up at your door. If someone pressures you with a huge discount or says it’s urgent, that’s a red flag. Scammers try to exploit your goodwill. Asking detailed questions about how the donations will be used and verifying the answers is crucial. Protecting your money while helping others is possible with some careful research and patience.

I usually check the charity on multiple websites and see if they have reviews or reports from trusted sources. That way, I know my donation is safe. Rushing into giving can lead to mistakes, so taking time is important.