You're kind. You're generous. NY and NJ warn you're a mark for charity scammers.

Catalina Gonella

Published Dec 4, 2024

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

Never miss a story

Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

A woman sits behind a computer looking worried.

LaylaBird / Getty Images

Catalina Gonella

Published Dec 4, 2024

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Officials in New York and New Jersey say residents should beware of charity scams this holiday season.

The New York state Division of Consumer Protection this week urged anyone planning on donating to an organization to research the group first. It said charity scams are most prevalent around the holidays since donors are motivated both by generosity and by the end-of-year deadline for tax deductions.

“The holiday season is here, and many New Yorkers are looking for ways to donate to their favorite causes through charitable organizations,” New York's Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said in an announcement. “While the holidays are a time for kindness and giving, scammers may also see this time as an opportunity to exploit the generosity of others.”

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement that charity scams “target and take advantage of New Yorkers who are willing to donate to meaningful causes.” New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs also reminded residents to be cautious as well this week.

Below are some tips from the government offices:

Check state databases before donating: Those charities located in or substantially fundraising in New York should be in the New York State Attorney General’s database of registered charities. New Yorkers can also inquire about the registration status of a charity at 212-416-8401 or [email protected]. And New Yorkers can also inquire about the registration status of professional fundraisers at 518-776-2160 by emailing [email protected]. New Jersey has a similar database of registered charities here, and a hotline at 973-504-6215 to inquire about charities.
Find more info: You can additionally check bbb.org, give.org and guidestar.org for information on businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Detect phony charities with similar names to real ones: Pay attention to the full name, website address, contact information and donation policies of any organization.
Protect your personal information: Don’t disclose your credit card number or Social Security number in response to an unsolicited charity request.
Keep track of your donations: Make sure you’re only charged for what you donated.
Pay by credit card or check: It’s safer than cash, and scammers often rely on schemes involving gift cards or wiring money.
Take your time: Watch out for people who rush you into donating, make vague claims without specifics about how the money will be used, or guarantee you’ll win a sweepstakes in exchange for a donation (which is illegal).

New York state residents who believe they’ve been victims of charity fraud can report it to the state Attorney General at 212-416-8000 or by using the complaint form here. Bragg also encouraged calls to his office’s Financial Frauds Bureau at 212-335-8900.

New Jersey residents who believe they’ve been scammed can contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846 or 973-504-6200, or email [email protected]. Complaints can also be filed at njconsumeraffairs.gov.

Tagged

new york city

Existing in New York City