HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Every year, thousands of people donate to the breast cancer awareness cause, but the Better Business Bureau says those donations don't always land in the right hands.
Due to the pandemic, many fundraising events have become virtual, and scammers are keeping their eyes open. Scammers know you're willing to give to the cause and will be scouring the web for opportunities to take your money.
Vice President of the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama, Belinda McCormick, said, "Because of the increase in people using the internet as opposed to having events that we're used to and being able to donate and all, the walks and the fun runs and things like that that we're used to going to and actually giving our money at those locations, it's all going virtual, so you do need to know who you're dealing with."
If you plan on donating online, the BBB recommends always using a credit card, not a debit card.
"If you should have a problem with this, a credit card is easier to dispute than a debit card," said McCormick. "That's just good any time you're doing it, especially if you're dealing with someone you're not familiar with, that you've not dealt with before."
Scammers are known to copy logos of well known organizations. Before you donate, verify the organization you're giving to is legitimate.
You can double check if an organization is real or not by using guidestar.org and give.org.
"You've got to verify whose website is it. You've got to verify that you are actually with an organization and that it is with a non-profit or a charity, because there are people out there that are for profit companies that try to gain money off of your donations," said McCormick.
If you come across a breast cancer awareness scam, you can report it to the Better Business Bureau. You can call them at (256) 533-1640 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, an Thursday.
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