Back in February, BBB Wise Giving Alliance alerted the charitable community about a fake-check overpayment scam.  It appears this scam is continuing using different names and affiliations, but the same scenario.  Charities receive an email from an individual expressing interest in making a five-figure donation and then sends the gift using overnight mail. Next, the scammer informs the charity he/she made an error and sent too much and asks the charity to immediately return a portion of the donation (several thousand dollars or more) to cover some type of medical emergency.  The charity returns the requested money, through a wire transfer or other quick method. The charity later discovers the original donation check is fake, and the organization has lost the amount it sent back to the individual.  

If a charity receives an email as described, we encourage the organization to post a notice on BBB Scam Tracker, a free interactive tool for individuals in the United States and Canada to report scams and fraud while warning others of malicious or suspicious activity.  BBB also collaborates and shares scam report data with law enforcement agencies. 

On a separate note, as part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video that features Jean Knaack, Executive Director of Road Runners Club of America (a BBB Accredited Charity) which promotes the development and growth of running clubs and running events, and supports the interests of recreational runners. 

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include: 

• RISE International
• Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights
• Swim Across America 

Finally, remember to let us know by going to  https://give.org/ask-us-about-a-charity1/ if you are  interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.  

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance