The Federal Trade Commission has warned against COVID-19 charity scams, as scammers take advantage of fears during a disaster to prey on the generosity of donors. So, how can you make sure your donations are actually going to reputable charities with designated funds to support communities around the world affected by the outbreak?

First things first: Are they a registered public 501(c)(3) organization?
Here at Charity Navigator, we always stress this question. Ask the charity what their EIN is. If they don’t have one -- don’t donate. Once they give you their EIN, you can find them on the Charity Navigator site. If you can’t -- don’t donate.

Second: What are the organization’s mission, goals, and history of success?
If a charity struggles to answer these questions, consider giving elsewhere. If you get robocalls from random numbers where you aren’t able to ask these important questions, hang up!

Third: Google it!
Seek out the charity’s website to validate their work. During and after disasters like COVID-19, individuals are likely to set up fake websites claiming to be a charity. Make sure you can find the nonprofit’s EIN somewhere on their website or donation page to know that the money is going to the right place.

Fourth: Use Charity Navigator
If you want to make sure your donation is going to a real charity and to one that uses your donation well, use Charity Navigator’s Giving Basket. Our Giving Basket is a secure, easy, and convenient way to give to the causes you care about that only allows donations to legitimate charities, making sure you don’t donate to a fraudulent appeal.

Read the full article about avoiding charity scams at Charity Navigator.