Charity and donation

Much like legitimate charities, scammers solicit funds for fake charities through the phone or door-to-door. Scammers take advantage of the generosity and empathy of people by posing as relief organizations following natural disasters, grieving communities, and other world events. Before you donate to any cause, take the time to be safe and contact the charity yourself. The organization can also confirm if they have a fundraising campaign on at the time. You can also check with the Canada Revenue Agency to make sure the organization is a registered charity. 

Means of contact

• Mail
• Text
• Internet
• Phone
• Online advertising
• In person

Description of scam
Claiming to be an organization that may or may not exist, scammers can target individuals, use affinity groups such as other charities, religious groups, associations and federations to "phish" for victims.

Tactics used

• Uses high pressure tactics to get you to donate immediately
• Uses “people you know” or organizations you belong to as an enticement 

Additional information
This technique is also used for raising money through fraudulent crowdfunding.