How can I donate wisely and avoid fraud?

On this page you will find warning signs of charity-related fraud and tips about donating wisely.

Warning signs of fraud:

pressure to give right away
calls that thank you for a pledge you don't remember making
organizations that use names similar to popular charities
canvassers who do not want to give you details about their organization
requests to send cash or a money order, instead of a cheque or credit card (cash is not traceable and cannot be cancelled)
offers to send a courier to collect your money
overly-friendly canvassers who ask personal questions
using free email addresses, which let people hide their identity
strange call display numbers such as 123-456-7890 or 777-777-7778, which might mean the caller is trying to hide their number

Report suspected fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

use the List of charities and other qualified donees to confirm that the organization is eligible to issue official donation receipts
learn about the organization’s activities and how it is managed
beware of donation schemes that promise a tax receipt for more than you donated
write cheques to the charity, not to an individual
make sure that your online payments are secure
refuse to donate if there is pressure to give right away, or if there are any other signs of fraud