As the holiday season approaches, many people are eager to donate to their favorite charities. However, this time of year also sees an increase in scams that prey on people’s generosity. With Giving Tuesday just around the corner, Dr. Philip Huff, a computer science professor at UALR, shares some tips to help protect you from falling victim to these scams.
Dr. Huff warns that scammers are becoming more sophisticated, especially with the use of AI. “You have to be careful the person you’re interacting with is an actual human,” he said. He advises donors to take a moment to verify where their money is going before making any contributions. “If they can’t get you to do an action like giving to a GoFundMe account or Cash App, something where it’s non-traceable later, then they can’t steal your money.”
For those who prefer online donations, Dr. Huff suggests researching the charity’s website to ensure it’s reputable. “Look up their website and see if it’s reputable,” he said. “Take some time to find out who you’re giving to.”
Social media also plays a significant role in scams, as it provides scammers with personal information that can be used to craft convincing messages. Dr. Huff cautions, “There are people that are looking to exploit our good natures.”
When it comes to rounding up purchases for donations at well-known retailers like Target or Walmart, Dr. Huff assures that these are generally safe options. However, he warns against unsolicited requests on social media.
To protect your financial and personal information, Dr. Huff emphasizes the importance of awareness. “Know who you’re giving to. Be aware that there are people that are looking to exploit you and they have the opportunity to do that through social media, through online platforms.” he said.
Dr. Huff also highlights the importance of cybersecurity education, noting that it is crucial in today’s digital society. “Just about every aspect of our society involves a digital component,” he said. “Securing those and making sure that we can trust the computers and the infrastructure we’re building is very important.”
