Charity and sales scams

Which is fake?

Which of these emails is from a fake charity?
  • This one
  • This one

Some people try to trick you into donating money to a fake charity or cheat you when you buy or sell something. Learn how to identify and guard against charity and sales scams.

Spot the scam

Prevent problems

Who can help

  • This information applies to British Columbia, Canada
  • Reviewed for legal accuracy in July 2019
  • Time to read: 7 minutes

Also on this topic

Still not sure what to do?

If you're looking for advice specific to your situation, there are options for free or low-cost help.

Options for legal help

We are grateful to work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, whose Peoples continue to live on and care for these lands.