Crowdfunding has made it easier than ever for people to support disaster relief efforts and other causes they care about. However, not all crowdfunding campaigns are legitimate, and fraud in crowdfunding is a growing problem. According to a recent report by the Better Business Bureau, crowdfunding fraud has caused more than $10 million in losses for donors over the past three years. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of crowdfunding fraud, red flags to watch out for, and tips to protect yourself from scams.
Types of crowdfunding fraud:
There are several types of crowdfunding fraud to watch out for, including fake campaigns, misuse of funds, overpromising and underdelivering, and false identities. Unfortunately, even the most tech-savvy individuals can fall victim to these scams.
Key red flags to watch out for:
When considering donating to a crowdfunding campaign, there are several warning signs that should give you pause. These include suspicious campaign descriptions, lack of details about the campaign or the organizers, poor grammar and spelling in the campaign description, pressure tactics to donate quickly, and claims of urgency or exclusivity.
Tips to protect yourself from crowdfunding fraud:
To protect yourself from crowdfunding fraud, it’s important to research the campaign and the organizer before donating. You should also use a reputable crowdfunding platform that checks for third-party verification, as many apps do not. Be wary of unsolicited requests for donations from strangers or people you cannot verify, and always avoid giving out personal information. You can learn more about staying safe when donating by checking out the BBB’s “Know Before You Donate” article.
Conclusion:
It’s crucial to remain vigilant when donating to crowdfunding campaigns or causes that you are unfamiliar with. By being vigilant, you can help keep yourself and other donors safe. We all share a goal of making the world a better place, and we can achieve this by pushing for stronger regulation and oversight and using new technologies like Wishes to keep us safe. Together, we can confidently support those who need it most.
About the Author
Annie Rhodes
CEO
25 years in the social good + tech sector with a passion for transforming technology solutions to do good better guiding individuals and organizations towards improving efficiency, transparency and impact.
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