If you're considering donating to an organization claiming to support Ukraine aid efforts, take the time to research the charity, the state's society of certified public accountants advises.
Step one: determine whether the charity is a Sec. 501 not-for-profit organization. The IRS' exempt organization search can assist with that. You can also search for organizations that are compliant with Illinois' reporting requirements via Illinois'When considering donations, experts advise that money should never be donated over the phone, links in email solicitations shouldn't be clicked, and high-pressure tactics seeking immediate payments are a sign of danger. Take your time.
Monitor your accounts. After donating, check your accounts regularly. Look for any suspicious activity. If you're an Illinois resident and believe you're the victim of a scam, contact your financial institution to put a hold on your credit card, notify the Illinois attorney general, and file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.