How do I get my money back after donating to a fake charity?
Credit card donations can be disputed; bank transfers are harder. Report to your state attorney general and the FTC — fake charities are heavily prosecuted at the state level.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Fake charity scams peak around disaster events, holidays, and high-profile news stories. Scammers register websites or social media pages mimicking real charitable organizations and collect donations that never reach any legitimate cause.
If you donated by credit card, file a chargeback for 'misrepresentation' — you were deceived into believing the merchant was a legitimate charity. This is a valid dispute reason. If you donated via PayPal to a Goods and Services transaction, open a dispute in the Resolution Center. If you donated through a genuine fundraising platform that was itself fooled, contact the platform — many have policies to refund donations to fraudulent campaigns.
State attorneys general are the primary enforcers of charity fraud laws in the U.S. — most states require charities to register, and filing with your state AG's consumer protection office can trigger investigations. The FTC also pursues fake charity cases and has run enforcement actions resulting in restitution for donors. File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and specify it is a charitable solicitation.
For future giving, verify charities through Charity Navigator, GiveWell, or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance before donating. Give directly through the organization's official website rather than clicking links in emails or social media posts.
Common red flags
- Donation request appears immediately after a natural disaster or news event
- Charity name is very similar to a well-known organization but with subtle differences
- Donation page has no 501(c)(3) number listed or the number does not verify on IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search
- Pressure to donate immediately before the fundraiser 'closes'
- Social media post with an emotional photo and a link to an unfamiliar payment site
- Collector asks for cash donation at an unsolicited public stand
What to do now
- Dispute the charge with your credit card issuer citing misrepresentation
- If donated via a fundraising platform, contact the platform's trust and safety team
- Report to your state attorney general's charity registration division
- File with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Report to the IRS at irs.gov/charities if the charity claimed tax-exempt status
Frequently asked questions
Can I deduct a donation to a fake charity on my taxes?
No — tax deductions are only allowed for donations to organizations recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS (or equivalent in your country). If you claimed such a deduction, amend your return. The IRS may already be aware of the fraudulent charity.
How do I check if a charity is legitimate?
In the U.S., search the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search database at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. Also check Charity Navigator, GiveWell, or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance for independent ratings.