Donating to charity this holiday season? Make sure you do your research first to avoid charity scams.

Charity scams are unfortunately common, especially during the holidays when people are feeling more generous. Scammers take advantage of this by posing as legitimate charities and asking for donations. They may even set up fake websites or social media accounts that look real.

Staying Safe from Charity Scams

According to AARP, you can take the following steps to avoid charity scams:

• Research the charity before you donate. Make sure it’s a legitimate organization by checking out websites like the Better Business Bureau.
• Ask about tax deductions. Legitimate charities will be able to provide information about tax deductions for your donation.
• Hang up if you need to. If a caller is being pushy or aggressive, it’s a red flag. Just hang up and donate to a charity of your choice instead.
• Watch for sneaky name changes. Some scammers will try to trick you by using a similar name to a legitimate charity. So be sure to double-check before you donate.

You can stay safe from charity scams this holiday season by doing your research and being aware of red flags. Don’t let scammers take advantage of your generosity—give to a charity of your choice instead. Follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook to learn more about common senior scams and how to avoid them.