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Video Transcript

Charity scams are serious crimes, and they have serious consequences. Right now, bad actors are taking advantage of people through the chaos and distress caused by global conflicts. They prey on our communities, profiting from our grief through this type of fraud. These are despicable crimes.

This type of fraud comes in all shapes and sizes. Criminals may impersonate real charities and divert essential funds from vulnerable populations. Sometimes, they start their own fake charities, stealing both money and the identities of those who donate. These stolen funds can ultimately support other crimes or even terrorism.

You may feel like there’s nothing you can do, but there is something you can do to make a difference. Together, we can fight charity fraud by educating ourselves and others on what to look for.

When you donate:

• Be wary of clicking links from unsolicited charity emails and texts.
• Watch out for companies that ask you to donate using cash, wire transfers, or especially cryptocurrency.
• Research charities online and verify contact information before you donate.

To report a charity fraud, call 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit fbi.gov for more information. Together, we can make a difference in combatting this type of crime.