Ahead of Giving Tuesday, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a warning about charity scams, which tend to increase during the holiday season. According to a press release on the Arizona Attorney General’s website, fraudsters often use names that resemble legitimate charities or exploit tragedies to mislead donors.
Attorney General Kris Mayes provided guidelines to help donors avoid fraudulent charities and ensure their contributions reach legitimate organizations. The advice includes verifying the legitimacy of charities and protecting personal information to maintain trust in philanthropic efforts. Mayes stated in a press release, "Taking a few precautions on the front end can ensure that donations serve a charitable good, instead of lining the pockets of scammers."
Among the tips, donors are encouraged to research charities before giving, including consulting independent rating organizations like Charity Watch and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Attorney General Mayes also recommended avoiding rushed donation decisions and safeguarding personal and financial information. The guidance notes that credit card or check payments are preferred for their added security and record-keeping, while less secure methods such as debit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency, and wire transfers should be used with caution.
Charities are also at risk of fraud, and Attorney General Mayes offered guidance for organizations to protect their operations. Recommendations include verifying large unsolicited donations, implementing strong internal financial controls, and waiting for checks to fully clear before accessing funds to prevent losses from counterfeit checks. Individuals or organizations that encounter scams are encouraged to file a complaint through the Attorney General’s website or by contacting the offices in Phoenix, Tucson, or via the toll-free number.
The public is also encouraged to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission and use resources such as the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker. Attorney General Mayes’ guidance aims to help Arizonans ensure their donations reach legitimate causes and communities in need.
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