What it looks like
"Thank you for your generous pledge last year to support our wounded veterans. Can we count on you again today? You can give $50 with a gift card, or tap here to give now: [link]"
An example. Real ones change their wording, amounts and names all the time.
How it works
Charity scammers follow the news. After a hurricane, wildfire or flood, new 'relief funds' pop up within days. Others use causes that pull at the heart all year, like veterans, police and firefighters, or sick children. Callers can fake a local area code, and texts link to websites that look polished and caring.
Some calls start by thanking you for a pledge you never made, hoping you will go along with it. Others ask for a quick gift by gift card or wire transfer, or offer to send someone to pick up a check. The name is often just a few words off from a charity you know and trust.
It fools generous people because saying no to a good cause feels wrong. A real charity will be glad to take your gift tomorrow, after you check. The FTC says not to let anyone rush you, and to give by credit card or check rather than cash, gift cards or wire transfers.
Signs it is fake
- Pressure to give right now, before you can look into it
- A thank you for a pledge or gift you do not remember making
- A request to pay by gift card, wire transfer, cash or cryptocurrency
- A name that sounds almost like a well known charity
- Vague answers about how much of your gift goes to the cause
What to do
- Say you would like to check first. Hang up, and give later through the charity's own website or by mail if it checks out.
- Look up the charity with the Tax Exempt Organization Search on irs.gov, and search its name with words like 'complaint' or 'scam'.
- Pay by credit card or by check made out to the charity, never by cash or gift card.
If you already clicked, called or paid
- If you paid by credit card, call the card company and ask to dispute the charge.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general.
Being fooled is not your fault. These messages are made by professionals to look real. Acting quickly is what matters. See what to do if you paid a scammer.
Not sure about a message?
Forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093, or send a screenshot. He tells you plainly what looks wrong. He never asks for passwords or codes, and he never texts first. How it works.
Worried about a parent? With the Family plan, you get a heads up when a likely scam reaches them.
More common scams
- Lottery or sweepstakes scam
- Inheritance scam
- Government grant scam
- Home repair scam
- See all common scams
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Text Uncle