The Wisconsin DATCP is giving residents reminders on how to protect their charitable donations.
While yesterday (December 2nd) was Cyber Monday, today (December 3rd) is known as Giving Tuesday, and millions of Americans are making donations to charities, non-profits, and other organizations.
With that in mind, the DATCP warns those donating of scammers impersonating real charities and to ensure people’s money goes to legitimate causes and not the pockets of scammers.
First, they recommend doing your research before giving, asking an organization for more details, and not opening links or attachments sent via email, text, or social media, even if they appear real.
Individuals are also advised to use a credit card or a check written directly to a charitable organization when donating. Other forms of payment such as cryptocurrency or other payment apps are rarely reversible, even in the event of fraud.
DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski explained that December is the most popular month for charitable giving and thus the most popular month for scammers to target such organizations.
