Charity Scams Targeting Seniors in North America: How to Protect Your Generosity in 2025

Hello and welcome! Giving to charity is a wonderful way to help others and make a difference, and seniors across Canada and the U.S. have a long tradition of generosity. But did you know scammers often target seniors by pretending to represent charities—especially after disasters or during popular fundraising seasons? These fraudsters exploit good-hearted people, turning generosity into financial loss and heartbreak.

Today, charity scams are on the rise, with scammers using phone calls, emails, door-to-door visits, and even social media to trick people into giving their money to fake causes. For seniors, this is especially concerning because these scams prey on empathy and trust.

Our Educational Comic was designed for seniors like you—to make learning about fraud straightforward and even enjoyable. It uses stories and visuals so you can spot scams before they happen, and share tips with loved ones.

Let’s dive in to see how charity scams operate and what you can do to protect your kindness from being exploited.

What Are Charity Scams? How Do They Work?

Charity scams happen when someone pretends to represent a charity but is really out to steal your money. They might create a fake charity name or pretend to collect money for a real disaster or popular cause. You might get phone calls asking for donations, emails with urgent requests to “help children” or “support disaster victims,” or even people knocking at your door.

Some scammers set up websites or social media pages that look real but are only designed to collect your donation—and your personal information. Their goal is to make you act quickly, often by using emotional stories or pressure tactics.

Remember, real charities will always be happy to let you check their credentials, answer questions, and give you time to decide. And they’ll never ask for strange payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers.

Why Are Seniors Especially Targeted?

Scammers often single out seniors for charity scams for several reasons:

• Financial Savings & Good Credit: Seniors typically have savings, own a home, and enjoy good credit, which makes them attractive targets for fraudsters.

• Generosity & Empathy: Seniors are known for their compassion and willingness to help, especially in response to causes like disaster relief, children’s organizations, or health-related campaigns.

• Trusting & Polite Nature: Seniors tend to be more trusting and polite, less likely to challenge or hang up on a caller.

• Social Isolation or Loneliness: Seniors who feel isolated or lack regular social interaction may be more likely to respond to unsolicited calls or emails.

• Less Tech Savvy: Many seniors aren’t as familiar with digital technology, making it harder to spot fake websites or online fundraising scams.

• Emotional Manipulation: Scammers use urgency (“help right now!”) and emotional stories to trigger quick donations without proper checks.

Statistics show that people aged 60+ lost billions to financial scams in 2023 alone, with charity fraud making up a significant share—while seniors are 33% more likely to lose money in a scam compared to other age groups.

Common Types of Charity Scams Affecting Seniors

Seniors may encounter a range of charity-related frauds, including:

• Door-to-Door and Phone Solicitation Scams: Someone pretends to represent a charity in person or over the phone, pushing for cash or urgent donations.

• Fake Websites and Social Media Fundraising: Scammers create convincing but false charity sites and social media pages to collect money and personal details.

• Impersonation of Real Charities: Use of similar names, logos, or recent news stories to mimic genuine organizations.

• Email Phishing Campaigns: Unsolicited messages claiming to be from charities, containing links to fake payment portals.

• Disaster Relief Scams: Fake appeals for funds after newsworthy events like natural disasters or pandemics.

• Unsolicited Texts or Messages: SMS or messaging app requests for donations to unknown or unverified causes.

• Charity Sweepstakes/Raffles: Promises of prizes in exchange for donations to fake causes.

Staying alert to all these scam types helps seniors protect their generosity—and their finances.

Warning Signs and Red Flags to Spot

Seniors can protect their generosity by recognizing these common signs of charity scams:

• High-pressure tactics: The caller or messenger urges you to donate immediately and discourages you from checking out the charity first.

• Requests for secrecy: You're asked not to discuss your donation with family or friends.

• Lack of proper credentials: The organization doesn't provide a full name, address, or registration number, and avoids specific questions about where the money goes.

• Unusual payment methods: Requests for cash, wire transfer, prepaid gift cards, or cryptocurrency instead of check or credit card donations through secure, official channels.

• No website, or unprofessional online presence: The charity's website is basic, has errors, or isn’t listed in official charity registries (Canada Revenue Agency, IRS).

• Unverified stories or images: Emotional pleas for disaster relief or medical help, often with dramatic but unverifiable images.

• Impersonation tactics: The name, logo, or story seems very close to a well-known charity, but with subtle differences.

• Donation links via email or text: Any link sent through email or SMS should be considered suspicious until directly confirmed.

How Seniors Can Protect Themselves Proactively

Seniors can reduce their risk by following these practical steps:

• Verify charities before donating: Use the Canada Revenue Agency or IRS databases to confirm legitimacy. Official sites list registered charities and give details.

• Request information: Ask for printed materials, details about how funds are used, and confirmation of registration.

• Give direct: Donate using a charity’s official website, phone number, or mailing address—never through links in unsolicited emails or texts.

• Avoid giving cash: Use credit cards or checks, which provide records and allow for dispute if needed.

• Take your time: Do not rush. Research and talk to family or trusted friends before making any donation.

• Beware of unsolicited requests: If you didn’t seek out the charity, consider it a red flag—especially after disasters.

• Educate and discuss: Share information and experiences with family, friends, and other seniors.

Being cautious and taking extra steps to verify can protect your money and ensure your generosity reaches deserving causes.

What to Do If Targeted or Victimized

If you think you’ve been caught in a charity scam, don’t panic—help is available. Here’s what to do:

• Stop communication and don’t send more money. End all contact with the suspected scammer or organization.

• Document everything. Save emails, receipts, call logs, and any communication details. Write down the date, time, names, and circumstances.

• Report the scam.

  • In Canada, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online.

  • In the U.S., file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

  • Notify your bank, credit card company, and local law enforcement.

• Ask for help. Talk to trusted family members or friends for advice and support.

• Monitor your accounts. Watch for suspicious activity and consider placing fraud alerts on your credit files.

• Beware of recovery scams. Scammers may prey on victims again by offering to recover lost money for a fee—never pay up front for “help.”

Resources and Support for Seniors and Families

1. Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: Education, tips, and reporting for charity and other scams in Canada.

2. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Elder fraud resources and reporting in the U.S..

3. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: Useful for reporting online scams.

4. Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance & Charity Navigator: Check legitimate charities before giving.

5. Local Consumer Protection Offices: Provincial, state, and municipal agencies for fraud prevention.

6. Power Play: Outsmarting Modern Scams and Quick Reference Guides: Senior-friendly, memorable ways to learn about fraud—share with family and community.

Protecting your kindness starts with knowledge. Our Educational Comic uses stories and visuals to make scam prevention simple, engaging, and easy to remember. Paired with our quick reference guides, you have practical tools to help yourself and loved ones recognize charity scams and give safely.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive trusted updates and tips for senior safety. Sharing these resources with friends and family helps build a safer community for everyone.

Conclusion

Charity scams are designed to prey on people’s goodwill—especially seniors who want to support meaningful causes. But your generous spirit deserves protection. By learning the warning signs, staying cautious before giving, and using trusted resources, you can ensure your donations truly help those in need.

Remember, take your time, verify before giving, and talk with family members or trusted friends. Education, vigilance, and community support are the best defenses against charity fraud. Keep sharing and learning, and help build a safer world—one donation at a time.