Beware of Scammers This Giving Tuesday in Tuscaloosa!

Beware of Scammers This Giving Tuesday in Tuscaloosa!

As the holiday season rolls in and the spirit of giving fills the air, Giving Tuesday is just around the corner—this year, it’s set for December 3rd! It’s a fantastic day meant to encourage charitable donations, but hold your horses before you whip out that credit card! The Better Business Bureau is sounding the alarm about a rise in scams targeting those eager to give.

Know Before You Donate

“Don’t assume that everybody who’s soliciting for donations is a charity,” cautions Carl Bates, the President of the Better Business Bureau for Central and South Alabama. With fake charities popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm, it’s critical to keep your wits about you. Scammers have become rather crafty—they can whip together a shiny website or social media page that looks almost identical to legitimate nonprofit organizations. And just like that, they open up the gates to their fraudulent activities!

Be diligent when considering donations, especially to local and state-wide charities that create a sense of urgency. Bates suggests that scammers often craft messages designed to pull on your heartstrings and urge you to give that very moment. “You think you’re giving to this local charity, and these scammers are very smart. They’re going to brand it as Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, or Montgomery, so you think, hey, I can help out this thing,” he explains. It seems pretty convincing at first glance, right?

Spotting the Red Flags

So, how do you spot a scam before you fall into the trap? Bates shares some tell-tale signs to help ensure your generosity reaches the right hands. Beware of unsolicited text messages and social media posts with links. These might say things like, “Hey, it’s Giving Tuesday! Donate to the local United Way Food Bank today, click here!” But hang on—before you hit that link, ask yourself, is this actually going to the real organization?” Bates voices skepticism against such claims, sharing, “I doubt that the United Way Food Bank of Central Alabama is going to put a link in a text message to you.”

Simple Steps to Protect Your Donations

Want to ensure your donations are going to reputable charities? Here are a few easy steps to consider:

• Research the charity: Before donating, take a moment to check the organization’s legitimacy. You can visit the Better Business Bureau’s website for information on local charities and their ratings.
• Stick to known charities: If you’re unsure about a new organization, consider donating to well-established charities with a solid reputation.
• Don’t act impulsively: Give yourself time to think! Scammers thrive on a sense of urgency.
• Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to contact the charity directly if you have any doubts. Genuine organizations will value your inquiry.
• Keep an eye on social media: Be cautious of posts asking for donations, especially if they seem out of the blue. Always verify links before clicking.

Be a Smart Giver!

This Giving Tuesday, let’s harness the spirit of generosity while keeping those pesky fraudsters at bay! With a little bit of research and careful consideration, you can make a difference in the community without falling prey to scams. Your money should be making a positive impact—not filling up the shady pockets of fraudsters. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is!

Now, let’s spread the word and make sure everyone in Tuscaloosa knows how to give wisely this holiday season!