If you found a charitable organization online and would like to donate, it's time to investigate the charity. Before you start shopping for a cause, check out the organization's website, social media channels, and anything else that might provide information about how they operate. Make sure you know their needs and how you could contribute.
Look into the charity's funding and how it spends its money. Understanding this can help guide your shopping for charities online.
Know What You're Buying
Now, you're ready to add some items to your cart! Before you do, consider buying in bulk to save money. For example, our wholesale wallets can come in under three dollars each making them the perfect option for a donation to your local men's shelter or business training foundation .
Look over any included photos that show the item from different angles and take the time to read the item's reviews. These additional steps can help you ensure that this is what you want to purchase before adding it to your cart.
Resist Scams
It's hard to know when scams will occur, so it's important to stay vigilant and not give away personal information. If a donation opportunity asks you to pay with a money transfer or cash, you should probably pass on it.
If you receive an email asking for donations, be careful not to click any links—if you want to donate directly from an email solicitation, the safest thing to do is open your internet browser and search for the name of the charity yourself. If you have questions about an organization or aren't sure if something is legitimate, check out their website or call them directly!
Choose Reputable Online Sellers
To ensure that you make a safe purchase, follow our quick guide to shopping for charities online:
Do not donate to unfamiliar websites. You can check if a website seems reputable by searching for customer reviews or ratings.
Always use a credit card when shopping online. Even if the website is verified, it is safer to use a credit card than to carry out bank transfers or direct debits: these are harder to reverse in the event of fraud and could make you more susceptible to identity theft.
Be cautious about unsolicited emails from supposed charities. These may contain links designed to steal your data or infect your computer with malware. If you get an email requesting money for a charity you never heard of before, contact the charity directly.
Keeping these tips in mind will ensure that you are safe when purchasing your donation online. Giving to charities can be rewarding and helpful without being time-consuming or overwhelming.