How to avoid being scammed on Giving Tuesday amid a rise in charity scam complaints

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- As North Carolinians open their wallets during the season of giving and Giving Tuesday, scammers are out in full force, hoping to get a chunk of that well-intended money.

The North Carolina Attorney General (AG) reports an increase in charity scam complaints during the holidays. There are a few simple things you can do to avoid falling victim.

One of the biggest things recommended by the AG is making sure you donate with a credit card or even a check. If someone asks you to pay in wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, it's likely a scammer asking for your money. It's also recommended that you don't pay over the phone or in cash through the mail.

The AG also recommends only giving to organizations that you seek out, rather than donating to solicitors or telemarketers. Sometimes, those telemarketers will make a commission on donations raised, and they'll often use pressure sales tactics to get you to donate.

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Another recommendation is to really do your research on the charity or online fundraiser before donating. Some scammers will start online fundraisers on giving platforms or social media, so research who is asking for your money before sending it.

You can research nonprofits by heading to the Better Business Bureau's charity tracker, or by looking at the charity registry from the North Carolina Secretary of State.

Other Tips from BBB

• Get the charity's exact name. With so many charities in existence, mistaken identity is a common problem. Thousands of charities have "cancer" in their name, for example, but no connection with one another.

• When contributing, go directly to the charity's website to help ensure they receive your gift. Be cautious about social media messages that claim to provide easy access to donation links to a familiar-sounding charity name.

• Resist pressure to give on the spot, whether from a telemarketer or door-to-door solicitor.

• Be wary of heart-wrenching appeals. What matters is what the charity is doing to help.

• Press for specifics. If the charity says it's helping the homeless, for example, ask how and where it's working.

Check websites for basics. A charity's mission, program and finances should be available on its site. If not, check for a report online here.

• Check with state charity officials. In many states, charities are required to register, usually with the office of the attorney general, before soliciting.

• Don't assume that every soliciting organization is tax-exempt as a charity. You can check an organization's tax status on the IRS website.

Verify the charity's trustworthiness. See if the organization meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.