By Jeff Reiter, CEO RWK IT Services
For Nonprofit Leaders in Chicagoland, from someone who sees the weight you carry
I know this season brings both warmth and responsibility. Your inbox fills with Giving Tuesday reminders. Your volunteers are spread thin between holiday drives and winter coat giveaways. And just as you’re planning your year-end appeal… here comes another ask. Another donation request. Another campaign page sent by a friend-of-a-friend, urging you to “give fast.”
But before your heart says yes, I want to pause with you. Because sadly, this is also the season scammers love.
Real Scams, Real Impact: What’s At Stake
In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), together with 38 states and D.C., shut down a massive “tele‐funding” scam: more than 1.3 billion deceptive robo-calls were made to 67 million people, and more than $110 million was collected for sham charities.
Closer to home in Illinois, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office emphasizes that all charities soliciting in Illinois must register with the Attorney General, and donors are encouraged to check that registration as part of their due diligence.
Now, imagine a well-meaning staffer at your Chicago-area nonprofit shares a fake link from their personal page — and a few clicks later, your organization’s name is unintentionally connected to fraud.
That’s not just about money. It’s about trust.
And in our world—your world—trust is everything.
Be the Guardian: How Nonprofit Leaders Vet Fundraisers Like Pros
Whether it’s a grassroots GoFundMe or a professional charity appeal, you deserve answers. At a minimum (and especially here in Illinois), before clicking “donate,” ask:
- Who’s running this, and how are they connected to the recipient?
A trustworthy campaign explains who’s behind it — by name, with verifiable info. - What exactly will the funds support, and on what timeline?
In Illinois, legitimate charities must file annual reports showing income, assets and how money is spent. - Who controls the money?
Are withdrawals being managed by someone transparent and accountable (in your organization or partner)? - Are close friends or family vouching for it?
Look for public, verifiable support from people who truly know the recipient.
✨ Bonus tip: If any answer feels fuzzy, ask – if they can’t or won’t explain clearly, that’s a red flag.
Scammer Red Flags That Should Make You Pause
Scammers count on your compassion and your exhaustion. Here’s what often gives them away:
- Heart-tugging stories that seem too perfect or “tailored”
- Impersonation of real people or repurposed photos from other campaigns
- Funds not used for the stated purpose—or no updates at all
- Claims you’ve already given (when you haven’t)
If your gut says “hmm,” trust it. Report it, and scroll on.
Vetting Registered Charities, Too—Not Just Crowdfunds
Even big names can mismanage donations. The Illinois Attorney General’s office recommends donors ask what percentage of a donation goes to programming vs. fundraising/administration.
Here’s what to verify before supporting (or partnering with) another charity:
- Program descriptions with real metrics — not just buzzwords
- Annual reports & financials available on their website (Illinois charities must file and make these accessible)
- Reviews from peers or watchdogs (e.g., CharityWatch is based in Chicago)
- Any mention of lawsuits, brand confusion, or negative media coverage
Scammer Playbook: Know Their Tricks So You Can Stop Them
Whether it’s a donor or a junior staffer who receives it, these tactics show up again and again:
- "Urgent! Donate now or they lose everything!" – Emotional pressure is a smokescreen.
- Gift cards or crypto-donations only – Always a scam. Reputable charities accept checks or credit cards.
- No secure website ("http" instead of "https") – That little “s” matters.
- You’re told you already gave – A tactic to confuse and guilt you.
Every one of these red flags has been used to trick even seasoned professionals.
What This Means for Your Nonprofit: The Hidden Risk in Giving
Here’s what most leaders don’t realize: The same tactics used in donation scams also show up in business fraud.
Urgency. Impersonation. Fake links.
These are also how cyber-criminals sneak into your inbox with:
- Phishing emails pretending to be vendors
- Fake invoices or ACH forms
- Malware links hiding in what looks like a donation receipt
Teaching your staff to vet fundraisers helps them spot broader threats to your nonprofit’s data, reputation, and operations. It’s mission protection disguised as holiday safety.
5 Ways To Protect Your Good Name This Giving Season
- Create a Donation Policy
Outline how your organization gives, what needs approval, and who verifies legitimacy. - Train Your Team
Host a short lunch-and-learn on holiday scams specific to Illinois charities and Chicago area nonprofits. (We can help with that!) - Use Trusted Channels
Never donate via a link in a random email or DMs. Go directly to known sites. - Double-Check Before Sharing
If you share a fundraiser publicly, verify it like your reputation depends on it—because it does. - Monitor Impact Reports
When you do give, check back later to see where the money went. Real charities share their results.
A Final Word
You are the safeguard of so many things: your community’s hope, your team’s integrity, and your donors’ trust. When you pause to vet a campaign or question a feel-good email, you’re not just preventing a scam. You’re leading with wisdom.
And isn’t that what the season is really about?
If you want help training your team to spot these scams—and protect your mission from the inside out—I’m just a conversation away.
🗓️ https://rwksolvesit.com/discoverycall/
Because the best gift your nonprofit can give this season . . . is peace of mind wrapped in purpose.
