Donor safety
Charity scam warning signs
Pressure, payment secrecy, and identity confusion matter more than a polished story. Pause long enough to verify the organization and the donation route.
Pressure and emotional urgency
Be cautious when a caller insists you must give immediately, refuses to send written information, or uses guilt to prevent comparison. A legitimate need can still be evaluated before payment.
Names designed to sound familiar
Confirm the legal name and EIN. Some solicitations use names that resemble established charities, public agencies, police groups, veterans' organizations, or disaster-relief funds.
Unusual payment requests
Do not send gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash, or a wire transfer because a stranger demands it. Check the web address carefully before entering card information.
A fundraiser is not the charity
Ask whether the caller is a paid professional fundraiser, how much of the contribution the charity receives, and whether the fundraiser is registered in Minnesota. Confirm those answers independently.
Where to report concerns
Report suspicious Minnesota solicitations to the Minnesota Attorney General. Report impersonation or deceptive payment activity to the Federal Trade Commission. Contact your card issuer promptly if you disclosed payment information.