How do I recognize and avoid fake charity or donation scams?

1. Research the organization and make sure that it is a legitimate charity
2. Verify that they are registered with the government and determine if they are an officially registered charity
3. Check their online reviews to see what other donors have to say
4. Be wary of charities that are asking for personal financial information, such as bank account numbers and social security numbers
5. Beware if a charity tries to push you to make an immediate decision or donate immediately without time to research the charity and its purpose
6. Be aware of incomplete contact information provided by the charity such as a PO box or email address