Key takeaways: Giving Tuesday 2026 falls on Tuesday, December 1. Before you give, confirm the charity is real, look up how it spends money, and never pay by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency, which are the payment methods the FTC says scammers insist on. Take two minutes. Real charities will still be there after you check.
Say you get a text from a “veterans’ fund” with a heart emoji and a link. It sounds right, and it lands the week of Thanksgiving when you are feeling generous. I would not click. Not because charities are bad, but because the easiest holiday scam is borrowing the name of a good cause. A friend of mine now Googles every charity name with the word “reviews” before giving, and honestly, that habit alone catches a lot.
A four-step check
- Start on the charity’s own website. Type the address yourself. Do not follow a link from a text, email or social post.
- Confirm tax-exempt status. The IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search lets you look up whether an organization is recognized by the IRS, which matters if you want a deduction.
- Read independent ratings. Charity Navigator, CharityWatch and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance publish evaluations of how charities spend and report.
- Watch for sound-alike names. Scammers pick names close to famous ones. Compare spelling and website carefully.
Red flags
- Pressure to give right now, or a caller who rushes you.
- Payment demands. The FTC says scammers insist on gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps and cryptocurrency, and tells people never to pay someone who insists on those methods.
- Vague answers about what your money does.
- Unexpected requests for personal info. Honest organizations do not need your Social Security number to take a donation.
Safer ways to pay
A credit card gives you more protection if something goes wrong. Keep a record of the donation and any receipt for taxes. If you do get scammed, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Giving locally
You can also skip the big names. Food banks, animal shelters and schools in your area often welcome donations, and you can visit in person.
FAQ
Is crowdfunding safe?
It can be, but you are trusting an individual. Give to people you know and check who is running the campaign.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Only if the organization qualifies and you itemize. Ask a tax professional about your situation.
General information. The “veterans’ fund” text is an illustrative scenario. Sources: FTC, IRS.
