Better Business Bureau warning about fake charity scams

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) – We’re On Your Side with a warning from the Better Business Bureau about fake charity scams.

Many of you might be looking to give back to a local charity or nonprofit this holiday season but how do you know if it’s legit?

Charities or nonprofit organizations like Owens House in Shelby County are always in need of donations and support especially during the holiday season but you should make sure they are legit before you give your money away.

Scammers are preying on generous donors like you who are looking to give back this holiday season.

“We see these appeals on social media, emails that come out, things like that,” Carl Bates with the BBB says.

But before you click on the link or give to the charity, go to their website first.

“Make sure their annual report is there. You can go to irs.gov and look up charities there and look at their 990 IRS form,” Bates says.

And if that tax form isn’t on the IRS website or the organization or charity’s website, then it’s a scam.

“So that’s the big thing but you know always go do your research, if 70 or 80% of their funds are spent on employment, on salaries, that’s certainly a question mark in my mind. Are they spending it on themselves or are they spending it in the communities they serve,” Bates adds.

The BBB says there are other ways to verify if a charity or organization is legit at give.org.

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