Holiday Giving, Without the Gotchas

The holidays bring out the best in us. We give. We help. We care.

But scammers love this season too.

I learned the hard way what broken trust feels like after losing a loved one to a medical error. It’s why I write for family practices like yours. Your name stands for care. One bad click can stain that trust. Let’s keep your giving kind and safe.

The Quick Take

If your practices donates or shares fundraisers:

· Slow down.

· Verify the people and the money path.

· Give through trusted channels.

Five minutes of checking can save your practice’s reputation.

Why Family Practices Get Targeted

Scammers follow heart and hurry. Novemer and December has both. They copy real stories, build slick pages, and push for “now.” They use the same tricks we see in phishing and fake invoices.

When your practices shares or donates, folks assume it’s safe. If it’s not, your good name gets pulled into the mess.

Before You Donate: 5 Simple Checks

1. Who’s in charge? Name, practices or group, and their tie to the person or cause.

2. Money path. How does the money move from giver to recipient? Who controls withdrawals?

3. Use of funds. What exactly will the money pay for, and when?

4. Family or close friend support. Do people near the recipient back the fundraiser in public?

5. Time on page. Are details clear, recent, and free of wild claims?

If any of these are fuzzy, ask. No answer? Don’t give.

Red Flags (Stop and Check)

· Pressure to donate right now

· Requests for gift cards, wire, or crypto

· Website with no https (no little lock in the address bar)

· Claims you already pledged when you didn’t

· Emotional story that feels “too perfect” or copied

· Money not used for stated purpose after a reasonable time

See more than one? Walk away and report it.

Vetting Real Charities (Not Just Crowdfunds)

Look for:

· Clear programs and easy-to-read annual reports

· Spending breakdowns (how much goes to programs vs. overhead)

· Search results without a cloud of “fraud,” “complaints,” or bad reviews

If details are thin, send your gift somewhere else.

A Practices -Friendly Giving Policy (Steal This)

Goal: Give wisely, protect trust, and teach staff to spot fakes.

1. Approval: Donations over $250 get a second set of eyes (practice manager or owner).

2. Source: Give only through the charity’s official site or check by phone using a number you look up yourself.

3. Verification: For local fundraisers, confirm with a family contact or trusted community partner.

4. Records: Save a receipt and a screenshot of the fundraiser details.

5. Public Posts: If your practices shares a fundraiser, add a line: “Please verify before donating. We are not collecting funds at the practices.”

6. Training: Five-minute huddle on scams during December. Include examples of fake emails, fake invoices, and fake fundraisers.

Teach Your Team the “SLOW” Rule

· Stop: Don’t click or pay in a rush.

· Look: Check the sender, the link, and the website lock.

· Outside check: Call a known number or visit the site by typing it in.

· Write it down: Keep a short note of who you verified with.

If You Already Donated and Feel Uneasy

· Call your bank or card right away and ask about a dispute.

· Take screenshots of the page and your receipt.

· Report to your state charity office or the FTC. It helps others.

Keep the Giving. Lose the Risk.

Your practice’s gift can change a life. Let’s make sure it reaches the right hands. If you’d like, I’ll run a 15‑minute Holiday Scam Spotter huddle for your team. Quick, clear, and practices ‑friendly. Reply “HOLIDAY” and I’ll send times.