Fake charity scams in DFW: How to verify before you donate

After every tornado, hail storm, or tragedy in DFW, fake charities appear instantly. Here's how to vet them.

Verification tools (use at least 2):

1. Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) — financial health scores and transparency ratings
2. GuideStar/Candid (guidestar.org) — 990 tax filings, mission statements, board members
3. BBB Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) — accountability standards evaluation
4. Texas AG Charities Division — verify registration at texasattorneygeneral.gov

Red flags:

• The name sounds like a well-known charity but isn't (e.g., "American Red Crossing" vs. American Red Cross)
• Pressure to donate immediately
• Cash or gift card only
• Can't provide an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for tax purposes
• Vague about how funds will be used
• GoFundMe campaigns from strangers with no connection to the victims

Texas law: All charities soliciting donations in Texas must register with the Texas AG Charities Division (Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 17). Operating an unregistered charity is a violation.

Smart giving in DFW:

• North Texas Food Bank (ntfb.org) — Charity Navigator 4-star
• Salvation Army DFW (salvationarmydfw.org) — established and audited
• United Way of Metropolitan Dallas (unitedwaydallas.org) — 4-star
• Community Foundation of North Texas (cfntx.org) — verified

RECEIPTS REQUIRED: If calling out a suspicious charity, provide the name, how they're soliciting (door-to-door, online, phone), and results of your verification search. Document the interaction.

Sources:

• Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org)
• GuideStar/Candid (guidestar.org)
• Texas AG Charities Division
• Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 17

Legitimate charities will happily provide their EIN, IRS determination letter, and financial reports. If they won't, keep your money.