How to Report a Fake Charity to Authorities

If you suspect a charity is fraudulent, reporting it promptly helps protect donors, victims, and communities. This guide explains how to identify suspicious charities, collect crucial evidence, and report to the right authorities in the United States. It covers federal, state, and local channels, plus steps to follow after filing a report and practical tips to avoid future scams.

Recognize A Charity Scam

Early signs of a fake charity can include pressure to donate immediately, unclear or misleading mission statements, promises of unusually high tax deductions, requests for cash, or lack of verifiable registration information. Legitimate organizations typically provide clear, verifiable contact details, annual reports, and a website with a registered name and tax ID. Before reporting, confirm the charity’s legal status using reputable sources such as state charity regulators, the IRS, and consumer protection agencies.

Gather Evidence Before You Report

Strong, organized evidence makes investigations faster and more effective. Collect the following:

• Charity name, address, phone number, and website URL
• Contact emails or social media profiles linked to the charity
• Web pages or promotional materials with claims about impact or tax deductions
• Donation details: receipt, transaction IDs, dates, and payment method
• Any correspondence that shows misrepresentation or pressure tactics
• Known affiliations or partnerships with other organizations

Take screenshots or save copies of digital communications. If a donation was made, preserve payment records and bank statements. Document how funds were used if that information is available, and note any requests for secrecy or urgent solicitation.

Where To Report In The United States

Several authorities handle charity fraud, depending on the nature of the violation and the charity’s structure. Reporting to the right agency increases the chance of a timely investigation and accountability.

Federal Agencies To Consider

These agencies address fraudulent charitable solicitations, misrepresentation, and tax-related issues:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The FTC investigates deceptive charity solicitations and other consumer protection violations. Reports can initiate investigations into misleading fundraising practices and deceptive ads. Use the FTC Complaint Assistant to file online, choosing “Charity or Fundraising” as the issue category.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

If a charity is suspected of improper tax treatment, filing with the IRS is appropriate. The IRS provides guidance on reporting concerns about tax-exempt organizations and can assess whether a charity is properly registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Use the IRS Form 13909 if reporting an abusive or fraudulent organization involved in tax-exempt status or Form 14429 for charitable organizations receiving questionable treatment.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Or Department Of Justice (DOJ)

For criminal charity fraud cases, contact the FBI or DOJ. They handle large-scale scams, fraud rings, and cases involving interstate schemes. FBI tip lines and DOJ complaint portals are available for reporting.

State And Local Resources

State level regulators often oversee charitable organizations and fundraisers within their borders. Local consumer protection offices can also accept reports about suspected scams.

State Attorneys General

Most states have an Attorney General’s office with a consumer protection or charities division. They can investigate misrepresentation, fundraising violations, and fraudulent solicitations. Check the state AG’s website for an online complaint form and contact details.

State Charity Regulators

Some states require charities to register before soliciting funds. If a charity operates in your state without proper registration, report it to the state charity regulator. Examples include public charities, professional fundraising organizations, and professional solicitors.

Secretary of State Offices

State business divisions or secretaries of state often track registered charities and professional fundraisers. They can verify ownership, registration status, and filings. Use their online registries to search the charity’s status and file a report if irregularities are found.

Consumer Protection Offices

Many states maintain consumer protection bureaus that handle complaints about scam charities. These offices can provide guidance, record complaints, and sometimes pursue enforcement actions.

How To File With Federal Agencies

Filing efficiently improves outcomes. Here are practical steps for the federal route:

• Visit the FTC’s complaint portal and select Charity or Fundraising as the issue. Attach your collected evidence and specify how you encountered the scam.
• For IRS concerns, use Form 13909 for reporting abusive actions by tax-exempt organizations, or contact the IRS for general questions about tax-exempt status and charitable deductions.
• If you suspect criminal fraud, contact the FBI via its tip portal or call center, and provide a concise summary with supporting documents.

How To File With State And Local Agencies

Follow these steps to report to state or local agencies:

• Visit your state’s Attorney General or Secretary of State charity fraud pages to access complaint forms.
• Provide a detailed description of the incident, dates, and the charity’s contact information, along with supporting documents.
• Submit electronically where possible, and keep a copy of the submission confirmation and reference numbers.

What Happens After A Report

After a report is filed, agencies may conduct preliminary assessments to determine if further investigation is warranted. Outcomes can include:

• Requests for additional information or documentation
• Public advisories or consumer alerts about the charity
• Criminal or civil investigations, leading to sanctions, penalties, or the charity being shuttered
• Notifications to donors and the public about the investigation status

Programs vary by agency; some actions may require patience as investigations unfold. Donors should monitor agency updates and avoid providing further donations to the suspect charity during the process.

Tips To Prevent Future Scams

Preventive measures reduce risk and improve confidence in charitable giving:

• Verify charity status using official registries and the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search tool
• Check for transparent financial reporting, including annual reports and Form 990 disclosures
• Beware of high-pressure fundraising tactics and vague program descriptions
• Donate through official channels on the charity’s verified website or established platforms
• Keep records of donations and correspondence for accountability

What To Do If You Were Victimized

If you donated to a fake charity or were scammed, report promptly and document any financial loss. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute charges or attempt a reversal if possible. Report the incident to the FTC, IRS, and state authorities to halt further solicitations and assist investigations. Sharing your experience with consumer protection groups can help warn others and strengthen enforcement actions.