Safety Notice
Scammers often use urgency and emotional pressure. Pause before you pay, and verify before you trust.
Attention!
Did any charity or individual reach out to you for a donation? Here are practical checks to give safely online and avoid scams.
Beware of common charity scams
- Fake charity websites after disasters.
- Phishing emails or unsolicited donation calls.
- Requests for PINs, codes, or personal bank details.
How to check before you give
- Verify the official charity registration number and name.
- Type the website manually and ensure it starts with https.
- Avoid anonymous payment methods like gift cards or crypto.
- Check whether fund usage is clearly explained.
- Use reverse image search for campaign photos.
Before donating, spend 2 minutes to check
- Search the charity name with "registered charity UK".
- Look for reviews, complaints, ratings, or scam reports.
- Confirm website address, registration number, and credentials.
- Check organiser identity and public profile.
- Pay only by secure methods (card or direct debit).
If you suspect fraud
- Contact Action Fraud (UK): 0300 123 2040.
- Contact your bank immediately if details were shared.
Give wisely
- Give to organisations you know and trust.
- Verify social campaigns offline where possible.
- Use Gift Aid if eligible.
- Consider volunteering or in-kind support too.
Best practice: Pause → Verify → Donate.