When Giving Hurts: How to Avoid Holiday Donation Scams and Keep Your Business Safe
The holidays are supposed to bring out the best in us. And most of the time, they do. We bake extra cookies, we take care of our neighbors, and yes—we give a little more generously than usual.
But here's the hard truth: scammers know that, too. And they’re counting on it.
A few years back, a massive scam operation made over 1.3 billion fake donation calls—yes, billion—and took in over $110 million from kind-hearted people who just wanted to do some good. Around the same time, researchers found hundreds of fake fundraiser accounts on social media, luring people in with sad stories and tug-at-your-heart photos.
As a small business owner—especially in healthcare or dentistry where community trust means everything—falling for one of these scams isn’t just about losing money. It can put your reputation on the line. One wrong click or one fake donation, and suddenly your good name is wrapped up in a fraud story.
So before your practice donates online this season—either publicly or privately—let’s walk through how to give safely, spot red flags, and protect your goodwill (and your team) from getting hurt.
A Real Fundraiser Should Be Able To Answer These Simple Questions:
Whether you’re looking at a GoFundMe, a Facebook campaign, or even a local drive, take a moment to ask:
- Who is running this, and what’s their connection to the person or cause?
- How will the money be used, and when?
- Who’s in charge of the funds?
- Do people close to the recipient (family, friends) support this effort publicly?
If you get vague answers—or worse, silence—that’s your cue to step back.
Red Flags That Should Make You Pause
Scammers are smart. They’ll use emotional language, fake photos, and convincing stories. Here’s what I keep an eye out for:
- Inaccurate or confusing details about the fundraiser
- Money that never seems to go where they say it’s going
- Copy-paste stories that pop up in multiple places
- Overly dramatic or “perfect” sounding tales designed to push your buttons
When in doubt, trust your gut. If it feels off, it probably is.
Even Big Charities Deserve a Second Look
Just because an organization has a logo and a website doesn’t mean it’s legit. Here’s how I check:
- Are their financials and impact reports easy to find?
- Do they share how much of your donation actually goes to the cause?
- Do they pop up in searches with words like “scam” or “complaints”?
If I can't find clear answers within five minutes, I move on.
Watch Out for These Common Scam Tactics
These tricks show up every year—and not just in charity scams. They’re the same methods cybercriminals use to go after businesses, too:
- Asking for donations through gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto
- Websites that don’t have a secure address (always look for the https)
- Panic-inducing messages like “You pledged already—send now!”
- Pressure to “act fast” before you’ve had a chance to think
Take a breath, verify the source, and never donate through a link you didn’t go looking for.
Why This Matters For Your Practice
Your generosity reflects your values. Whether you're donating as a business or sharing a cause with your team, those actions become part of your brand. One innocent mistake can make patients, partners, and even staff question your judgment.
Worse yet—those scam tactics I mentioned earlier? They’re often just a gateway. The same people who send fake donation requests also run phishing emails, invoice scams, and fraudulent payment schemes that target small businesses all year long.
Teaching your team to spot a fake fundraiser is the first step in building a more scam-aware, fraud-resistant practice.
5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Giving Safe
- Create a Donation Policy
Decide as a team how, when, and where you’ll donate—and who approves it. - Talk to Your Team
Share real examples of scams and encourage double-checking before giving in your business’s name. - Use Trusted Sources
Go straight to a charity’s official website instead of clicking links in emails or social posts. - Verify Before You Promote
If you’re sharing your donation publicly, make sure the cause is legit first. - Follow Up After Giving
Many charities share follow-up stories or reports—check in to see your donation at work.
Give Generously—But Give Smart
We all want to help. And when it comes to giving back, your heart is in the right place. Let’s just make sure your money and your business are too.
If you'd like to train your team to recognize not only donation scams, but phishing emails and business fraud too—I’d be happy to help.
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