Attorney General Bonta Shares Safe Giving Tips to Avoid Charity Fraud Following Venezuela Earthquakes

OAKLAND - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today shared tips and resources on how Californians can avoid scams and donate safely to the recovery efforts following the devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela last week. The Attorney General is responsible for supervising and regulating charities that operate in California and the professional fundraisers who solicit on their behalf. As recovery efforts in Venezuela continue, Attorney General Bonta encourages donors interested in supporting relief to watch for common signs of charity fraud and do research to ensure they are donating to legitimate charities and organizations.

"In the face of this devastating natural disaster, I have every confidence in the tremendous generosity and compassion of Californians. Sadly, as charity fraud becomes more common across the nation, it is crucial that Californians do their research before donating," said Attorney General Bonta. "I encourage donors to review these tips and resources to ensure their contributions touch the right hands and hearts. Many charities are already working tirelessly to support our southern neighbors, and I'm committed to ensuring that donations are not diverted or misspent."

Tips on How to Avoid Charity Fraud

• Check the Registration Status: Charities and professional fundraisers soliciting donations in California are required to register with the Attorney General's Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. They are also required to file annual financial reports. Before you donate, confirm that the charity is registered and up to date with its financial reporting. The Registry of Charities and Fundraisers' Registry Verification Search tool allows you to search the Registry's database and verify whether a charitable organization or fundraiser has complied with the Attorney General's registration and reporting requirements.
• Give to Organizations You Trust: Always do your research before donating. Review the charity's annual financial reports to find out how much of your donation will be spent on the charitable cause, as well as how much, or if any, will go to overhead and employee compensation. Research charities in your community and support those that make a positive impact.
• Don't Be Pressured by Telemarketers and Ask Questions before Donating: If you receive a call from a telemarketer, take your time and make sure to ask plenty of questions, such as the name of the fundraising organization, whether the fundraising organization is registered with the Attorney General's office, the name of the charity that is benefiting from the solicitation, how much of your donation will go to charity and how much to the fundraising company, and the direct telephone number of the charity that is receiving the donation. Check directly with the benefiting organization to confirm that it authorized the solicitation and will actually benefit from your donation. Don't fall for pressure tactics or threats. Remember, you have the right to decline the donation request. If you feel pressured or threatened, just hang up.
• Be Cautious of "Look-Alike" and Fake Websites or Emails: Be on the lookout for websites and emails that use slightly different web addresses (URLs) or email addresses to pass off as a legitimate charity. Scammers sometimes purchase these types of URLs or create fake email accounts to trick potential donors into donating to a look-alike website or steal your information. Be wary of fake websites by closely looking at the web address and be cautious of web addresses that end in a series of numbers. If a charity's website or email is asking for your detailed personal information - such as your Social Security Number, date of birth, or your bank account number - it is likely a scam.
• Watch Out for Similar Sounding Names and Other Deceptive Tactics: Some organizations use names that closely resemble those of well-established charitable organizations in order to mislead donors. Additionally, if you receive an email from an organization to which you have never donated, take extra precautions before clicking on any links. Be skeptical if someone thanks you for a pledge or donation that you never made, as scammers use this trick to deceive you into paying them. If you are unsure whether you made a donation, make sure to check your records.
• Be Wary of Social Network Fundraising: Never assume a charitable fundraiser that you see online or on social media is legitimate, even if it is shared by someone that you trust. If you plan to donate through a social network solicitation, do your research first and find out what percentage is going to the charity, whether you will be charged a fee, or if a percentage of your donation will be paid to the platform website.
• Protect Your Identity: Never give your Social Security number, credit card information, or other personal identifiable information in response to a charitable solicitation. Some organizations may sell or rent their donor lists to other organizations, including organizations that are not charities. Before donating, review the charity's privacy policy to find out if your information will be shared with outside companies.
• Be Careful When Making Electronic Donations: Electronic donations, such as donations made via text, QR Codes, and card readers, have become common practice due to their ability to provide a quick and easy way to donate on the spot. While convenient, remember that anyone can create a QR code, send a text, or buy a card reader. Always confirm that the solicitation was submitted by a charity, or that the person facilitating the transaction is authorized to receive donations on behalf of a charity. Always check your receipt and your credit card statement to ensure that the transaction charged to your account is accurate.

For more information on how to protect yourself against charity fraud, visit the donation tips webpage. Complaints against charities can be filed using the charity complaint form.