Modern Scams · Every disaster, every era
The Charity Scam
Fake nonprofits appear after hurricanes, wildfires, or wars — pocketing donations meant for the people on the news.
The Confidence Game
Maria Konnikova
The single best explanation of why smart people say yes. Start here.
Now broadcasting: The Charity Scam
The short of it
The Charity Scam is a modern scams that dates to the Every disaster, every era. Fake nonprofits appear after hurricanes, wildfires, or wars — pocketing donations meant for the people on the news. The tell is usually simple: new charities spun up right after a disaster. If you remember one thing, remember this — check charities at charity navigator or guidestar.
Warning Signs
- New charities spun up right after a disaster.
- Pressure to donate now, questions later.
- Payment only by wire, gift card, or crypto.
Protect Yourself
- Check charities at Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
- Donate directly through the organization's official site.
- A real nonprofit will happily wait a day for a careful gift.
Read Deeper
The Confidence Game
Maria Konnikova
Why we fall for it — every time. A definitive study of the con artist's mind.
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Watch it unfold
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Play the grift
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More Modern Scams
Late 20th century – present
THE LOTTERY SCAM
"You've won a fortune in a lottery you never entered. All you have to do to collect is pay the taxes and fees first — over and over."
2000s – present, sharper every year
THE GRANDPARENT SCAM
"The phone rings at dawn. A frightened voice says 'Grandma, it's me — I'm in jail, please don't tell Mom.' Wire the bail before you can breathe."
Postwar suburbia – present
THE UTILITY WORKER SCAM
"A friendly man in a hard hat says there's a gas leak — or a water problem — and needs inside your home. While he distracts you at the basement, a partner slips upstairs and cleans out the jewelry drawer."