Quick answer
Report fake charities to your state Attorney General, FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and FBI IC3.gov. Verify charity legitimacy at IRS.gov or GuideStar before donating.
How to Report a Fake Charity: Stop Donation Scams and Fraud
Quick answer: Report a fake or fraudulent charity to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, your state charity regulator (usually the attorney general’s office), and — if it claims tax-exempt status — to the IRS using Form 13909. Verify any charity first at give.org, charitynavigator.org, or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
Scammers exploit generosity, especially after disasters, using names that mimic real charities. Reporting them protects other donors and can shut the operation down. This guide shows how to verify a charity, where to report fraud, and how to recover a donation if you can.
How to Spot a Fake Charity
Warning signs include high-pressure pitches, vague descriptions of how money is used, names that closely copy well-known charities, requests to pay by gift card, wire, or cryptocurrency, refusal to provide written information, and thanking you for a pledge you never made. Legitimate charities welcome questions and give you time to decide.
Before donating, verify the organization at give.org (BBB Wise Giving Alliance), charitynavigator.org, or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search to confirm it’s registered and tax-exempt.
Where to Report Charity Fraud
The FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov) is the central place to report charity scams. Most states require charities to register and have a charity regulator — usually within the attorney general’s office — that investigates fraud. If the organization falsely claims to be a 501(c)(3) or is abusing tax-exempt status, report it to the IRS with Form 13909.
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Where to Report a Fake Charity
| Situation | Agency | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Charity scam / fraud | FTC | reportfraud.ftc.gov |
| State charity violations | State charity regulator / AG | Search “[your state] charity complaint” |
| Tax-exempt abuse | IRS Form 13909 | irs.gov/charities |
| Verify before giving | BBB Wise Giving Alliance | give.org |
| Check ratings & finances | Charity Navigator | charitynavigator.org |
| Donation made by card | Your card issuer | Call the number on your card |
How to Report a Fake Charity Step by Step
- Stop and verify. Don’t give under pressure. Look up the charity at give.org, charitynavigator.org, or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
- Document the solicitation. Save emails, texts, screenshots, the organization’s name, phone numbers, website, and any receipts or pledge confirmations.
- Report to the FTC. File at reportfraud.ftc.gov with the charity’s details and how they contacted you.
- Report to your state charity regulator. Most states require charities to register; the attorney general’s charity division investigates unregistered or fraudulent solicitations.
- Report tax-exempt abuse to the IRS. If the group falsely claims 501(c)(3) status or misuses donations, file Form 13909 with the IRS.
- Dispute any donation you made. Contact your card issuer to challenge the charge. Card payments are often reversible; gift cards and wires rarely are, so report those immediately.
- Warn others. Post details to the BBB Scam Tracker so people searching the charity’s name see your warning.
- Protect your information. If you shared bank or card details, monitor your accounts and consider a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify a charity is real?
Check give.org (BBB Wise Giving Alliance), charitynavigator.org, and the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. Confirm the exact legal name, that it’s registered to solicit in your state, and how it spends donations.
Where do I report a fake charity?
File with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, your state’s charity regulator or attorney general, and the IRS (Form 13909) if it claims tax-exempt status. Reporting to all three creates the strongest record.
Can I get my donation back?
If you paid by credit or debit card, contact your issuer to dispute the charge — many are reversible. Gift cards, wires, and crypto are very hard to recover, so report them immediately and contact the payment provider.
Why do fake charities spike after disasters?
Scammers exploit the urge to help during crises, creating look-alike names tied to the event. Be especially careful with disaster appeals and always verify before giving.
Is it illegal to run a fake charity?
Yes. Charity fraud violates state and federal law and can bring fines and criminal charges. Even legitimate-looking groups must register to solicit in most states; failing to do so is itself a violation.
For related guides see: How to Check if a Nonprofit Is Legitimate, How to Report an Online Scam, How to Report Tax Fraud.
Independent resource — not affiliated with any U.S. government agency. Last reviewed: June 2026.
What happens next
- Most agencies send an acknowledgment or reference number — save it with your copies.
- Investigations vary by agency; complex cases can take weeks or months.
- If you do not hear back within the timeframe listed on the agency site, follow up in writing.
- Keep reporting to additional agencies if your issue crosses categories (for example, fraud plus billing).