As Ohioans prepare to give generously for Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season, state officials are urging caution to ensure charitable donations don’t end up in the hands of scammers. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) is reminding residents to verify charities before contributing.

Many scams this time of year involve imposters posing as trusted organizations. According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter-scam reports in Ohio increased nearly 47 percent in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2024. A recent AARP report also found that 89 percent of U.S. adults say they’ve been targeted by at least one scam, ranging from fake toll-payment texts and misleading social media ads to phony charities and gift-card schemes.

“It is unfortunate that there are people looking to take advantage of someone’s goodwill, especially during this time of giving,” said Division Superintendent Kevin Allard. “However, there are steps everyone can take to help ensure their money is going where they intend for it to go. Taking a few moments to verify a charity's legitimacy can make all the difference.”

The Division of Financial Institutions recommends several steps to help donors protect themselves:

• Research the charity. Search the organization’s name alongside terms like “scam,” “complaint,” or “review.” Be wary of names that closely resemble well-known charities.

• Verify the organization’s status. Trusted tools include the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, CharityWatch, the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

• Watch for payment red flags. Legitimate charities will not request donations through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

• Use secure payment methods. Credit cards or checks provide a paper trail and better protection. Ensure online donation pages use “https” in the address.

• Don’t rely on caller ID. Phone numbers can be spoofed. If you receive an unsolicited call, hang up and contact the charity directly using information from its official website.

Anyone who suspects they have encountered a charity scam is encouraged to report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov and to the Charitable Law section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.