The holidays bring out the best in people — but unfortunately, they also bring out scammers.
During this season of generosity, cybercriminals prey on goodwill, emotions, and the spirit of giving. Whether it’s a fake charity link, a social media fundraiser, or a “donation match” email, these scams can cost small businesses more than money — they can cost reputation, credibility, and trust.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, one massive telefunding operation made 1.3 billion deceptive calls and collected over $110 million in fake donations. Meanwhile, researchers at Cornell University found over 800 fraudulent fundraising accounts operating across Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
For small business owners in Metro Atlanta, one wrong click could tie your company name to fraud — damaging relationships with clients, partners, and your community.
Let’s explore how to vet fundraisers, spot red flags, and protect your business’s generosity this holiday season.
🎯 How to Vet a Fundraiser Before You Donate
Before giving, verify. Every legitimate fundraiser should clearly answer:
- Who is organizing this fundraiser, and what’s their connection to the recipient?
- How exactly will the funds be used and within what timeline?
- Who controls the funds and ensures they reach the intended recipient?
- Do close contacts of the recipient publicly support the campaign?
If any of these details are vague or missing, that’s your first red flag. Ask questions — and if answers are avoided or unclear, move on.
🚨 Red Flags That Signal Donation Scams
Be on alert if you notice:
- Misleading or false information on the fundraiser page
- Funds not used for the stated purpose within a reasonable timeframe
- Copycat campaigns impersonating other fundraisers or individuals
- Stories that sound too perfect or overly emotional
Multiple warning signs? Report the page and avoid donating.
🕵️ Vetting Charities — Not Just Crowdfunding Campaigns
Even established charities can have questionable practices. Before giving, research carefully:
- Look for transparent program details, financial breakdowns, and annual reports
- Verify how much of your donation goes to programs vs. administrative costs
- Search the charity’s name plus “fraud,” “scam,” or “complaints” to check its reputation
If details are missing or reviews are poor, don’t take chances — your business’s reputation is on the line.
⚠️ Common Tactics Charity Scammers Use
Watch out for these telltale tricks:
- Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto – legitimate charities accept credit cards or checks
- Websites missing “https” – no “s” means your data isn’t secure
- Urgency or pressure to act immediately – scammers want to stop you from thinking
- Claims that you already donated or pledged – verify before sending money
Even well-designed websites or emotional appeals can be traps. Scammers have become sophisticated — but so can your defenses.
🧠 Why This Matters for Your Business
When your company donates to charity — publicly or privately — that act reflects your brand’s values. But one mistaken donation can link your business name to a scam.
Even worse: the same tactics used in fake fundraisers are also used in phishing emails, wire transfer fraud, and vendor scams. Training your team to recognize online donation fraud also strengthens their ability to spot cyber threats that target your business operations.
Protecting your generosity is protecting your business.
🔐 5 Ways to Protect Your Business (and Your Goodwill)
- Create a Donation Policy:
Establish clear guidelines for how, where, and under whose approval your company donates. - Educate Your Employees:
Share examples of scam fundraisers and phishing emails. Awareness reduces risk. - Use Trusted Channels:
Donate directly through official charity websites — not links in emails or social media posts. - Be Transparent:
If your business promotes charitable giving publicly, confirm that your chosen charities are verified and reputable. - Follow Up:
Check that your donations are being used as promised. Many legitimate charities provide public impact reports.
💡 Keep Your Holidays Generous — Not Risky
The holidays should be a time of gratitude and giving — not regret.
Smart vetting, clear policies, and a little skepticism can go a long way in protecting both your money and your reputation.
Want to make sure your team can spot fake fundraisers, phishing scams, and fraudulent payment requests before it’s too late?
📞 Book your free discovery call with Custom Technologies, Inc. today.
Let us help you secure your business — so your generosity stays genuine.
Let us manage your network so you can manage your business.
🧾 FAQs: Protecting Your Business from Holiday Scams
Q1: What’s the most common type of holiday scam targeting businesses?
Fake charity requests and donation match scams are common. Scammers send emotional emails or create social media fundraisers that mimic legitimate causes. Always verify URLs and donation links.
Q2: How can Metro Atlanta business owners verify if a charity is real?
Use trusted sites like CharityNavigator.org, Candid.org, or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. These tools provide financial transparency and legitimacy checks.
Q3: Why should businesses worry about donation scams?
Because scammers often reuse these same tactics in business-targeted fraud — including phishing, fake invoices, and wire transfer scams. Training staff to spot donation scams improves overall cybersecurity awareness.
Q4: What’s the safest way for businesses to donate online?
Always go directly to a charity’s official website, verify it’s secure (look for “https”), and use credit cards for traceable, reversible transactions. Avoid gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto donations.
Q5: How can Custom Technologies, Inc. help protect my business from scams?
We provide cybersecurity solutions, employee awareness training, and network monitoring to keep your Metro Atlanta business protected from scams, phishing attempts, and data breaches — during the holidays and all year long.
