Use AI to check a charity before you give

Year-end is when most giving happens, and when fake charities are busiest. AI can help you make a short checklist and spot warning signs. The official lookups tell you if a charity is real.

Giving Tuesday is December 1 this year, and many people give before the year ends. That also brings calls, texts, and emails from groups that sound like real charities but aren't. An AI chat can help you sort out what to check before you give, and help you read an appeal that feels pushy. It can't tell you for sure if a charity is real, so you look that up yourself.

Make a short checklist

Tell AI who asked you to give, how they reached you, and what they said the money is for. Ask for a short list of things to check before you give.

Example: "I got a phone call asking me to donate to a group that helps veterans. They want a payment today. Make me a short checklist of what to check before I give, and tell me which official places to look a charity up. Don't tell me if this group is real. Tell me how to find out."

Look it up in the right places

Look up the exact name on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search to see if donations are tax-deductible, and with your state's charity office. Charity Navigator and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance also review many charities. The FTC's consumer advice site lists the common charity scam signs.

Spot the pushy signs

Paste the message (with your own details taken out) and ask AI to point out pressure tricks: "act now," a request for gift cards or wire transfers, a name that sounds almost like a famous charity, or a "thank you for your pledge" for a pledge you never made. For texts and emails that feel off, see our guide to checking a scam message.

Things to know

• Give through the charity's own website that you type in yourself, not a link in a text or email.
• Never give card numbers, bank details, or your Social Security number over a call you didn't make.
• AI can't confirm a charity is real or good. Use it to make your checklist and ask questions, then use the official lookups.
• Planning how much to give this season? See our holiday budget guide.

Also read: How to use AI to check if a message is a scam

Also read: Use AI to make a holiday budget