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Check Twice Before Donating

Posted on 12/19/24 by Jess Kinser

It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.

Individual Americans contributed a record $374.4 billion to charity last year, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. This generosity supports many amazing organizations that put those billions to work for health care, education, environmental protection, the arts, and many other causes.

If a charity solicits you for a donation—even if your first instinct is to contribute—take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.

Signs of a charity scam may include pressure to give immediately, a thank-you for a donation you don't recall making, or a request for payment by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer.

Research the charity on sites such as give.org, CharityNavigator.org, or CharityWatch.org to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network^TM at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the AARP Nebraska page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

AARP Events for Lincoln

AARP Events for Lincoln

• The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout

  Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT

  Zoom

  Online Event

• Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi

  Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT

  Zoom

  Online Event

• Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication

  Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT

  Zoom

  Online Event

View All AARP Events

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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Check Twice Before Donating</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/19/24 
				by <b>Jess Kinser</b>			</div>
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        </div><p>It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.<br><br>Individual Americans contributed a record $374.4 billion to charity last year, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. This generosity supports many amazing organizations that put those billions to work for health care, education, environmental protection, the arts, and many other causes.<br><br>If a charity solicits you for a donation—even if your first instinct is to contribute—take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.<br><br>Signs of a charity scam may include pressure to give immediately, a thank-you for a donation you don't recall making, or a request for payment by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. <br><br>Research the charity on sites such as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://give.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">give.org</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityNavigator.org,</a></span></span> or <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitywatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityWatch.org</a></span></span> to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network<sup>TM</sup> at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/nebraska/" target="_blank">AARP Nebraska</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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        </div><p>It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.<br><br>Individual Americans contributed a record $374.4 billion to charity last year, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. This generosity supports many amazing organizations that put those billions to work for health care, education, environmental protection, the arts, and many other causes.<br><br>If a charity solicits you for a donation—even if your first instinct is to contribute—take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.<br><br>Signs of a charity scam may include pressure to give immediately, a thank-you for a donation you don't recall making, or a request for payment by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. <br><br>Research the charity on sites such as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://give.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">give.org</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityNavigator.org,</a></span></span> or <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitywatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityWatch.org</a></span></span> to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network<sup>TM</sup> at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/nebraska/" target="_blank">AARP Nebraska</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Check Twice Before Donating</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/19/24 
				by <b>Jess Kinser</b>			</div>
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        </div><p>It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.<br><br>Individual Americans contributed a record $374.4 billion to charity last year, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. This generosity supports many amazing organizations that put those billions to work for health care, education, environmental protection, the arts, and many other causes.<br><br>If a charity solicits you for a donation—even if your first instinct is to contribute—take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.<br><br>Signs of a charity scam may include pressure to give immediately, a thank-you for a donation you don't recall making, or a request for payment by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. <br><br>Research the charity on sites such as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://give.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">give.org</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityNavigator.org,</a></span></span> or <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitywatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityWatch.org</a></span></span> to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network<sup>TM</sup> at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/nebraska/" target="_blank">AARP Nebraska</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Check Twice Before Donating</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/19/24 
				by <b>Jess Kinser</b>			</div>
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        </div><p>It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.<br><br>Individual Americans contributed a record $374.4 billion to charity last year, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. This generosity supports many amazing organizations that put those billions to work for health care, education, environmental protection, the arts, and many other causes.<br><br>If a charity solicits you for a donation—even if your first instinct is to contribute—take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.<br><br>Signs of a charity scam may include pressure to give immediately, a thank-you for a donation you don't recall making, or a request for payment by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. <br><br>Research the charity on sites such as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://give.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">give.org</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityNavigator.org,</a></span></span> or <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitywatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityWatch.org</a></span></span> to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network<sup>TM</sup> at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/nebraska/" target="_blank">AARP Nebraska</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
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					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Check Twice Before Donating</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/19/24 
				by <b>Jess Kinser</b>			</div>
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        </div><p>It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.<br><br>Individual Americans contributed a record $374.4 billion to charity last year, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. This generosity supports many amazing organizations that put those billions to work for health care, education, environmental protection, the arts, and many other causes.<br><br>If a charity solicits you for a donation—even if your first instinct is to contribute—take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.<br><br>Signs of a charity scam may include pressure to give immediately, a thank-you for a donation you don't recall making, or a request for payment by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. <br><br>Research the charity on sites such as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://give.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">give.org</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityNavigator.org,</a></span></span> or <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitywatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityWatch.org</a></span></span> to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network<sup>TM</sup> at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/nebraska/" target="_blank">AARP Nebraska</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Check Twice Before Donating</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/19/24 
				by <b>Jess Kinser</b>			</div>
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        </div><p>It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.<br><br>Individual Americans contributed a record $374.4 billion to charity last year, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. This generosity supports many amazing organizations that put those billions to work for health care, education, environmental protection, the arts, and many other causes.<br><br>If a charity solicits you for a donation—even if your first instinct is to contribute—take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.<br><br>Signs of a charity scam may include pressure to give immediately, a thank-you for a donation you don't recall making, or a request for payment by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. <br><br>Research the charity on sites such as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://give.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">give.org</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityNavigator.org,</a></span></span> or <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitywatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityWatch.org</a></span></span> to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network<sup>TM</sup> at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/nebraska/" target="_blank">AARP Nebraska</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Check Twice Before Donating</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/19/24 
				by <b>Jess Kinser</b>			</div>
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        </div><p>It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.<br><br>Individual Americans contributed a record $374.4 billion to charity last year, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. This generosity supports many amazing organizations that put those billions to work for health care, education, environmental protection, the arts, and many other causes.<br><br>If a charity solicits you for a donation—even if your first instinct is to contribute—take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.<br><br>Signs of a charity scam may include pressure to give immediately, a thank-you for a donation you don't recall making, or a request for payment by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. <br><br>Research the charity on sites such as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://give.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">give.org</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityNavigator.org,</a></span></span> or <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitywatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityWatch.org</a></span></span> to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network<sup>TM</sup> at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/nebraska/" target="_blank">AARP Nebraska</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lincoln</h2>
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			<p><a class="link-red" href="/lincoln-ne/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
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		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LINCOLN-NE">Renew</a> or 
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<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/nebraska/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Nebraska</a></li>

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				Posted on 12/19/24 
				by <b>Jess Kinser</b>			</div>
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        </div><p>It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.<br><br>Individual Americans contributed a record $374.4 billion to charity last year, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. This generosity supports many amazing organizations that put those billions to work for health care, education, environmental protection, the arts, and many other causes.<br><br>If a charity solicits you for a donation—even if your first instinct is to contribute—take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.<br><br>Signs of a charity scam may include pressure to give immediately, a thank-you for a donation you don't recall making, or a request for payment by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. <br><br>Research the charity on sites such as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://give.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">give.org</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityNavigator.org,</a></span></span> or <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitywatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityWatch.org</a></span></span> to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network<sup>TM</sup> at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/nebraska/" target="_blank">AARP Nebraska</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Check Twice Before Donating</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/19/24 
				by <b>Jess Kinser</b>			</div>
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        </div><p>It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.<br><br>Individual Americans contributed a record $374.4 billion to charity last year, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. This generosity supports many amazing organizations that put those billions to work for health care, education, environmental protection, the arts, and many other causes.<br><br>If a charity solicits you for a donation—even if your first instinct is to contribute—take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.<br><br>Signs of a charity scam may include pressure to give immediately, a thank-you for a donation you don't recall making, or a request for payment by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. <br><br>Research the charity on sites such as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://give.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">give.org</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityNavigator.org,</a></span></span> or <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitywatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityWatch.org</a></span></span> to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network<sup>TM</sup> at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/nebraska/" target="_blank">AARP Nebraska</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Check Twice Before Donating</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/19/24 
				by <b>Jess Kinser</b>			</div>
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        </div><p>It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.<br><br>Individual Americans contributed a record $374.4 billion to charity last year, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. This generosity supports many amazing organizations that put those billions to work for health care, education, environmental protection, the arts, and many other causes.<br><br>If a charity solicits you for a donation—even if your first instinct is to contribute—take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.<br><br>Signs of a charity scam may include pressure to give immediately, a thank-you for a donation you don't recall making, or a request for payment by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. <br><br>Research the charity on sites such as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://give.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">give.org</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityNavigator.org,</a></span></span> or <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitywatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityWatch.org</a></span></span> to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network<sup>TM</sup> at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/nebraska/" target="_blank">AARP Nebraska</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Check Twice Before Donating</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/19/24 
				by <b>Jess Kinser</b>			</div>
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        </div><p>It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.<br><br>Individual Americans contributed a record $374.4 billion to charity last year, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. This generosity supports many amazing organizations that put those billions to work for health care, education, environmental protection, the arts, and many other causes.<br><br>If a charity solicits you for a donation—even if your first instinct is to contribute—take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.<br><br>Signs of a charity scam may include pressure to give immediately, a thank-you for a donation you don't recall making, or a request for payment by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. <br><br>Research the charity on sites such as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://give.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">give.org</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityNavigator.org,</a></span></span> or <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitywatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityWatch.org</a></span></span> to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network<sup>TM</sup> at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/nebraska/" target="_blank">AARP Nebraska</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Check Twice Before Donating</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/19/24 
				by <b>Jess Kinser</b>			</div>
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        </div><p>It’s the season of giving, and for those in the spirit, telling the difference between a real charity and a fake one can be a challenge. Legitimate charities make a big push at year-end for last-minute annual donations. Scammers know this and make their own end-of-year push to line their pockets.<br><br>Individual Americans contributed a record $374.4 billion to charity last year, according to the Giving USA Foundation’s annual report on U.S. philanthropy. This generosity supports many amazing organizations that put those billions to work for health care, education, environmental protection, the arts, and many other causes.<br><br>If a charity solicits you for a donation—even if your first instinct is to contribute—take a pause. Many fake charities have legitimate-looking websites and names, making them hard to identify as fraudulent. Others are registered nonprofits but devote little of the money they raise to the programs they promote.<br><br>Signs of a charity scam may include pressure to give immediately, a thank-you for a donation you don't recall making, or a request for payment by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. <br><br>Research the charity on sites such as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://give.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">give.org</a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityNavigator.org,</a></span></span> or <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.charitywatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CharityWatch.org</a></span></span> to make sure that it’s legitimate and to find out what percentage of their donations are actually used to serve their stated mission versus paying for overhead and fundraising.<br><br>Be a fraud fighter! If you can <u>spot</u> a scam, you can <u>stop</u> a scam.<br><br><b>Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network<sup>TM</sup> at </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork</b></a></span></span>.</p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Nebraska. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/nebraska/" target="_blank">AARP Nebraska</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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