Harder Warns of New Scams on Giving Tuesday

Criminals are using AI tools to make their scams more convincing; fraud skyrocketed last year, costing consumers nearly $9 billion

According to the FTC, paying by credit card or check – after doing research on your charity of choice – is the safest way to donate

WASHINGTON – Today, before Giving Tuesday, Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) is warning families about donation scams and fraud schemes. Criminals are using more advanced technology, including AI, to steal people’s money, sensitive information, and even their identities, and families need to be even more diligent during the holidays.

“Giving Tuesday embodies the values my wife and I want to teach our almost-two-year-old daughter, Lillian. The holidays are a time for kindness and coming together. We also need to be vigilant of criminals waiting to take advantage of people’s generosity,” said Rep. Harder. “Scammers are getting more advanced with technology and scams are getting tougher to spot. They’re even impersonating people using AI-generated voices to make victims believe a loved one is in trouble and needs their help. It’s heartbreaking. We must pay attention and be careful.”

There are simple steps everyone can take to avoid scams on Giving Tuesday:

• Always do your own research on a charity before making a donation to make sure it is legitimate.
• Avoid donations that require paying in cash, gift cards, or wiring money. Checks and credit card payments are safest.
• Keep records of your donations, including how you paid, when, etc. – this information can also be important when filing your taxes.
• If someone is pressuring or rushing you into donating, that’s a red flag.
• If someone calls and asks you to donate, get the charity’s name, website, and mailing address. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Consider getting off the phone and contacting the charity directly to donate.

As technology becomes more advanced, scammers are working hard to keep up. This list of safety steps can help people protect themselves, but some scams are nearly impossible to detect. The FTC has guidance for those who believe they have fallen victim to a scam.

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