How do I check if a charity is legitimate before donating?
Search the charity's name on a charity navigator site and confirm its registration number with your country's official charity regulator — legitimate charities welcome this scrutiny.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Charity scams peak around disasters, holidays, and high-profile news events because donor goodwill is highest at those moments. Scammers register names that sound almost identical to well-known charities, buy look-alike domains, and sometimes reach out by phone or door-to-door. Before donating to any organisation you have not supported before, take two minutes to verify it.
In the United States, use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (apps.irs.gov/app/eos) to confirm the charity has 501(c)(3) status, or check Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org), GuideStar / Candid (candid.org), or the BBB's Wise Giving Alliance. In the UK, use the Charity Commission's public register at register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk. These databases are free, take under a minute to search, and immediately flag unregistered organisations.
Legitimate charities are transparent about how donations are spent. Review the charity's most recent Form 990 (US) or annual accounts (UK) to see what percentage of income goes to programme activities versus fundraising and administration. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends at least 65% to programmes. A charity that refuses to provide this information, or whose financials are not publicly filed, is a red flag.
Be especially cautious when donating after a disaster. Scam organisations spin up within hours of a major earthquake, hurricane, or refugee crisis, often using emotionally powerful images taken from news coverage. Give to organisations you already know or that appear in your country's disaster-relief coordination databases rather than a GoFundMe or social campaign you stumbled across.
Common red flags
- Name nearly identical to a well-known charity with a slightly different word or spelling
- Pressure to donate immediately, today, in cash or gift cards
- Unable to provide a registered charity number or EIN when asked directly
- Donor information goes to a P.O. box or offshore account
- Very new organisation soliciting for a disaster or cause that just happened
- Emotional appeal with no factual information about programs or financials
What to do now
- Search the charity name on Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or your country's official register
- Check the IRS EIN database or UK Charity Commission before donating
- Look up their most recent financial filing and check the programme-expense ratio
- Give via the charity's official website — type the URL directly rather than following a link
- Ask for a written receipt showing the charity's registration number for your tax records
- Report suspected fraudulent charities to the FTC and your state attorney general
Frequently asked questions
Can a scam charity have a registered 501(c)(3) number?
Yes. Some fraudulent organisations obtain legal charity status and then misuse donations. Look beyond registration to actual financial filings: if the organisation files a Form 990, it must be publicly available and should show meaningful programme spending.
Is it safer to donate via a charity's website or a fundraising platform?
Donating directly via the charity's official website is generally safest. On crowdfunding platforms, verify the campaign is run by the official organisation rather than a third party fundraising in the charity's name without authorisation.