The holiday season is a time when many of us are looking for ways to give back to our community. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when scammers try to take advantage of our generosity. This time of year, the Tigard Police Department, as well as law enforcement across our region and the state, sees an increase in charity-related scams. If you plan to give back this season, take a moment to protect yourself and your finances by making sure your donation goes where you intend it to.
Common Signs of a Donation Scam
Scammers often try to pull at your heartstrings or try to pressure you into giving money. Be cautious and take a moment to think before donating, especially if you notice these red flags that could indicate a scam:
- High-pressure tactics that encourage you to make a decision immediately.
- Vague details about how your donation will be used.
- Untraceable payment methods, like gift cards, wire transfer or bitcoin.
- How to Verify a Legitimate Charity
- Before donating, take the time to verify who you’re talking to, and that the organization is real and trustworthy.
- Verify charities with the Department of Justice. You can verify a charity by visiting justice.oregon.gov/charities or https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/search-for-tax-exempt-organizations.
- Ask questions to learn where your money is going. Legitimate charities will be transparent and willing to share how your donation will be used.
- Hang up the phone and do your own research. Even if you recognize the name of a charity, consider hanging up and calling back using a verified phone number from the charity’s official website or by donating online.
What to do if You’ve Been Scammed
If you believe you may have been scammed, there are things you can do to protect yourself.
- Keep an eye on your credit report and bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
- Contact your bank to stop a payment, dispute a charge or replace a credit or debit card.
- If you’ve lost money in a scam, report it to the Tigard Police Department by calling Non-Emergency Dispatch at 503-629-0111 or by reporting online at www.tigard-or.gov/report-a-crime.
- If you believe someone tried to scam you, report the attempt to the FBI at ic3.gov.
Give with Confidence
When in doubt, do your research and know where your money is going before donating. Taking a few minutes to verify a charity helps ensure your generosity goes where it’s truly needed and not into the pockets of scammers.
For more information on scams, crime prevention tips and community updates, visit the Tigard Police Department website at www.tigard-or.gov/police.
