Fake charity and disaster donation scams
After hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters, scammers send urgent messages asking for donations to relief funds that do not exist. They ask for payment methods real charities rarely use.
How this scam works
The emotional moment makes you want to help right away. The money goes straight to the scammer and cannot be recovered.
Common versions of the message
- An urgent plea for disaster victims
- Donations by Zelle or gift cards
- A request not to share the link
What the message looks like
Text from +1 (555) 016-9014
URGENT: Families who lost everything in the hurricane need your help tonight. Donate now with Zelle or gift cards to Hurricane Relief Fund, every minute counts. Please don't share this link: http://hurricane-relief-now.top/give
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Emotional pressure: “need your help tonight”
Real charities do not rush you
Real charities welcome gifts any time. They do not rush you.
- 2
Untraceable payment: “Zelle or gift cards”
Real charities take cards or checks on their own site
Charities take donations by card or check on their own website, not by Zelle or gift cards.
- 3
Keep it secret: “don't share this link”
A real charity wants you to share
A real charity wants you to share its appeal, not hide it.
- 4
Unknown site: “hurricane-relief-now.top”
Give through a charity you look up yourself
Look up the charity yourself instead of using a link in a message.
What to do
- Do not give through the link or by gift card or Zelle.
- Give through a charity you know by typing its website yourself.
- Check unfamiliar charities on a charity review site such as Give.org or Charity Navigator before giving.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you donated by card, call your card issuer and dispute the charge.
- If you sent gift cards, contact the gift card company with your receipt right away.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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