In manufacturing, we pride ourselves on showing up for the community. Whether it’s sponsoring the high school robotics team or donating to a fund for a team member’s family, giving is part of the culture. But during the holidays, when emotions run high and production schedules are tight, scammers get crafty—and they’re targeting manufacturers just like yours in Salt Lake City.
The Federal Trade Commission uncovered a scam involving over 1.3 billion deceptive donation calls, stealing $110 million from well-meaning donors. And Cornell University researchers found more than 800 fake social media fundraisers tricking users into giving to bogus causes.
For Salt Lake City manufacturing businesses, falling for one of these schemes can cost more than a few bucks—it can damage your brand, erode trust with customers and partners, and compromise your security posture.
Here’s how to protect your team, your reputation, and your giving spirit with clear vetting, good policies, and reliable managed IT services for Salt Lake City manufacturers.
How To Vet a Fundraiser Before You Give
Before your shop donates to a cause, even if it comes recommended by a vendor or customer, ask the following:
- Who is running the campaign, and what’s their relationship to the beneficiary?
- What’s the money for—exactly—and what’s the timeline?
- Is there a clear path from donation to recipient? Who controls the withdrawals?
- Are the recipient’s family or employer publicly endorsing it?
If the answers are vague, missing, or dodged, it’s time to walk away.
Red Flags That Should Stop You in Your Tracks
Watch for signs like:
- Copied stories or images from other fundraisers
- High-pressure language or urgent emotional appeals
- Conflicting or missing details about how funds are used
- Strange payment requests (gift cards, crypto, wire transfers)
- Donation pages without HTTPS (lack of secure encryption)
These red flags don’t just mean you might lose money—they suggest that someone is actively targeting your team.
Even Registered Charities Deserve a Closer Look
Just because a nonprofit is real doesn’t mean it’s responsible. Here’s what to look for:
- Program descriptions with clear budgets and timelines
- Transparent financial breakdowns in annual reports
- Charity watchdog reviews (search for terms like "scam" or "complaints" next to their name)
Reputation matters—and if your company is putting its name behind a charity, you want to make sure it’s doing real good, not just collecting overhead.
Scammer Tactics Look Familiar for a Reason
The same emotional manipulation used in donation scams is also behind the phishing emails, BEC attacks, and invoice fraud that hit manufacturers all year long.
That’s why donation awareness should be part of your broader IT security plan. With strong cybersecurity services and IT support tailored for Salt Lake City manufacturers, you can protect both your systems and your staff.
How to Protect Your Giving (And Your Brand)
Here are five steps to keep your generosity safe:
- Create a Donation Policy
Put clear rules in place about who can approve donations, how much, and what platforms or causes your company supports.
- Train Your Team
Include fundraiser scams in your annual IT security training. Make sure everyone’s on the same page, from front office to the shop floor.
- Give Through Verified Channels
Avoid email or social media links. Go directly to the official site of the charity to donate.
- Triple-Check Before Going Public
If you’re announcing a donation on social media or with clients, make sure the organization is rock solid. Your reputation rides on it.
- Track Your Giving
Make a habit of checking how your donation was used. Reputable organizations report back with clarity.
Keep Your Holiday Giving Secure
This season should be about giving back—not scrambling to undo damage from a scam. Whether you’re supporting a crew member’s family or contributing to a local cause, a little due diligence goes a long way.
Want to train your team to spot donation scams and other social engineering tactics before they cost your company?
Click here to schedule your free network assessment with Qual IT.
Because the best gift you can give your Salt Lake City manufacturing business is trust, clarity, and protection that lasts beyond the holidays.
