What's a charity scam?

When you decide to support a cause, you want to ensure your donation is going to the right place. Fraudsters try to trick you by setting up fake charities and accompanying websites for donations. They pose as legitimate organizations to sway you to donate with a pre-paid credit card, gift card or wire transfer.

How charity scams work

  1. A fraudster uses phishing emails, text messages, phone calls or social media ads to try to get you to make a donation for a fake charity.
  2. A fraudster plays with your emotions and may exploit a recent event, such as a natural disaster or famine, to try to get your information or money.
  3. You're asked to donate through pre-paid credit cards, gift cards or wire transfers.

Warning signs of charity scams

  • The charity’s name and web address resemble a well-known charity but has a different spelling or some minor grammatical errors
  • The charity makes vague claims and avoids details about how your donation will be used
  • The charity offers a courier to collect your money
  • You're pressured to make a donation through aggressive sales tactics
  • You're asked for a donation through pre-loaded credit cards, gift cards or wire transfers
  • You receive a thank-you communication for a donation you didn't make
  • You receive emails or text messages from an organization you’ve never been in contact with

Stay safe with our tips

  • Ask questions and take time to learn about the charity before you donate. Fraudsters will try to rush you to make a donation.
  • Do research about the charity. Check reviews to help determine how donations may be used.
  • Don't share your personal and financial details, such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
  • Practice good cyber etiquette. Don’t select links in unsolicited emails, text messages or social media fundraising ads.
  • Keep records of donations and review your bank statements regularly. Check that you’ve been charged the correct amount and you’re not signed up for recurring donations.
  • Make sure that the charity name is the exact name used by a legitimate charity. Fraudsters use slightly different spelling to trick you.
  • Verify the legitimacy of the charity. Check if it's registered in the Canada Revenue Agency database Opens in a new window..

Learn more about charity scams

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Opens in a new window.

Report fraud when it happens and track the latest data on fraud in Canada.

The Little Black Book of Scams Opens in a new window.

Download the Canadian Competition Bureau's guide to scams in 8 different languages.

Canadian Bankers Association Opens in a new window.

Read about the latest news and trends in fraud awareness and prevention.