The holiday season is the perfect time to give back, with countless worthy nonprofit organizations seeking support. Unfortunately, scammers are out there hoping to trick you into donating to fake charities. The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) offers the following tip to help you avoid falling victim to scams and ensure your donations truly make a difference.
- Don’t Rush. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into donating, especially over the phone or through social media. Pause and verify the legitimacy of the request before giving, whether it’s a phone call, email, or a post shared online,
- Do Your Research. Before donating to a new charity, investigate it. Use trusted resources like CharityWatch, Charity Navigator or Candid to vet charities. Be sure to check the charity's website to see that it includes clear details about its mission, programs, and how donations are used.
- Don’t Trust Caller ID. Scammers can spoof caller ID to make it look like the call is from a local number or a legitimate charity. Always be cautious and verify the organization.
- Be Mindful of Payment Methods. Scammers often ask for payment through risky methods like cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps, or gift cards. These are hard to trace and are often irreversible. Stick to safer options like credit cards and checks, which offer more protection.
Have you fallen victim to a scam? The Office of Consumer Protection wants to hear your story. Sharing your experience can help OCP better educate and protect others from similar schemes. The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection is located at 100 Maryland Ave., Suite 3600, in Rockville. Walk-in hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information or to file a consumer complaint, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311, or visit its website at www.montgomerymd.gov/ocp.
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