7 Tips on Making Secure Donations to Charity

The season of Christmas is always a popular time to make donations, be in through cash or online platforms

It’s often easier to track where your money is going – and what it’s going towards – when donating through an official website as opposed to giving cash.

In this season of giving, these seven tips can help ensure your hard earned money is channelled safely to the charitable organisation of your choice:

• Trust your instincts and refrain from making donations to charities you are unfamiliar with or haven’t done enough research about.
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails from charities and never enter a charitable site through a hyperlink in an email. If you have concerns, research the organisation online and if you do receive an email from what you think is a bogus organization, ignore it!
• Make sure you have the option to contact the charity- online (via email) and by phone. A physical address is even better.
• Before giving donations, always ensure the site is secure by looking for the green padlock icon in your web browser. It should appear in your browser’s URL bar, and is only present on secure sites.
• If you are concerned about a site’s payment authentication, look for verification certificates. Examples include MasterCard SecureCode, Verified by Visa, and American Express SafeKey.
• Avoid making donations via money transfer firms or by direct bank transfer, as these methods may not offer you liability protection in case of a fraudulent transaction
• If you feel concerned after making a donation, call your bank immediately!

Click here for more information on payment safety and security.

Article contributed by Mastercard Singapore

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