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Before you donate, verify the channel. Four steps to detect a fake donation account.

Disasters attract fraud. Here is what you can do before donating to any channel that is not one of the verified organizations on this site:

How to verify a donation channel in four steps

  1. Search on Charity Navigator

    Go to charitynavigator.org and search the organization name. A score of 3 or more stars indicates verified financial transparency and accountability.

  2. Check BBB Wise Giving Alliance accreditation

    Go to give.org and search the organization. BBB Wise Giving Alliance accreditation means it meets 20 accountability and ethical fund-use standards.

  3. Verify the donation link URL

    The link domain must match the NGO's official website exactly. A single different character or a similar-looking domain may indicate phishing.

  4. Distrust personal accounts not listed on the official website

    Bizum, Zelle, IBAN or PayPal accounts circulating on social media without backing from the organization's official website are a warning sign. Legitimate NGOs receive donations through their own payment platforms, not personal accounts.

Verified independent evaluators

  • Charity Navigator — verificar una organización antes de donar

    Plataforma independiente que califica la transparencia y eficacia de las organizaciones benéficas. Útil para confirmar que un canal de donación es legítimo antes de aportar.

    Go to official website
    Verified on · Source

  • BBB Wise Giving Alliance (give.org)

    Acredita organizaciones benéficas según estándares de rendición de cuentas. Otra fuente para comprobar la legitimidad de un canal de donación.

    Go to official website
    Verified on · Source

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a donation account for Venezuela is fake?
Four steps: (1) search the organization on charitynavigator.org or give.org; (2) check that the link URL matches the NGO's official domain exactly; (3) distrust Bizum, Zelle or bank transfer accounts that do not appear on the organization's official website; (4) be suspicious of personal accounts claiming to collect and forward funds on behalf of others.
Why do fake accounts multiply on social media after an earthquake?
Disasters attract fraud. Screenshots of IBAN or Zelle accounts shared without a link to an official website are almost always a red flag. Legitimate NGOs always publish their donation channels on their own website.
Can I trust a GoFundMe campaign?
GoFundMe verifies the organizer's identity but does not audit how the funds are ultimately used. For maximum safety, prioritize NGOs rated on Charity Navigator (3 or more stars) or accredited by BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
What do I do if I see a suspicious donation account?
Report it to the platform where you saw it (X, Instagram and Facebook have fraud reporting mechanisms). If it affects US citizens, you can also report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov).
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