Even in quieter seasons, scammers find ways to exploit generosity. But during the holidays, when emotions run high and charitable giving spikes, they become more aggressive—and more convincing.
A few years ago, one of the biggest telefunding scams in U.S. history was uncovered: over 1.3 billion deceptive donation calls, totaling $110 million in stolen funds (Federal Trade Commission).
Meanwhile, researchers at Cornell University flagged more than 800 fake donation accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X—posing as legitimate charities but leading to nothing but fraud.
For Salt Lake City property management companies, falling for one of these scams doesn’t just hurt the budget—it risks your brand. One click from a team member or a well-meaning donation tied to your firm’s name can undermine trust with owners, tenants, and your community.
Here’s how to protect your operations and your reputation—with smart vetting, scam awareness, and IT security tailored for Salt Lake City’s real estate industry.
How To Vet A Fundraiser Before Your Firm Donates
Before you or your team gives, confirm the following:
- Who is running the campaign, and what’s their connection to the recipient?
- How will the money be used, and over what time frame?
- Who can withdraw the funds? Is there a clear path to the intended cause?
- Has the campaign been publicly endorsed by people who actually know the recipient?
If any of this feels unclear, vague, or overly emotional—hit pause. Silence is a red flag. So is deflection.
Red Flags That Signal Scam Fundraisers
Stay alert for these common warning signs:
- Inconsistent or copied information across different fundraisers
- No clarity on how or when donations will be distributed
- Stories lifted from other campaigns (reverse-image searches help)
- Highly emotional language with no evidence or verification
See more than one red flag? Stop and report the page.
What About Registered Nonprofits? Vet Those Too
Even legitimate charities can have poor practices—or reputational baggage. Before tying your Salt Lake property brand to one, look for:
- Clear financial transparency (how funds are split between programs and overhead)
- Annual reports and donor statements
- Google results that don’t include words like “scam” or “fraud”
Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it aligns with your brand values.
The Tactics Scammers Use On Salt Lake Businesses
Here’s what we’re seeing most often:
- Asking for donations via gift card, crypto, or wire transfer
- No “HTTPS” in the donation link URL
- High-pressure language (“You already pledged!” or “Last chance to match!”)
- Messaging that mimics local causes, but redirects to sketchy third-party sites
Why this matters: These same tactics show up in phishing emails, wire fraud attempts, and fake VoIP vendor invoices. Teaching your staff to spot donation scams is part of your broader cybersecurity strategy.
How Salt Lake Property Teams Can Stay Generous—And Safe
Here’s your checklist for charitable giving this season:
- Create a Company Donation Policy
Define what types of causes your firm supports, how donations are approved, and who has the authority to give under the business name.
- Train Your Team
Don’t assume they know what fake campaigns look like. Include donation scams in your annual cybersecurity refresher.
- Use Trusted Channels
Always donate through verified charity websites. Never through links sent by email, social, or group text.
- Double-Check Before Public Giving
If you’re sharing your holiday donations online or with partners, vet the organization first—then vet it again.
- Follow the Funds
Any nonprofit worth supporting will show how the money was spent. If they don't? Take them off your list.
Your Brand Reputation Is On the Line
In property management, everything comes back to trust. From lease agreements to emergency response, your credibility is your currency. A careless donation—even if unintentional—can call that into question.
Don’t let a holiday scam become a January crisis.
Click here to book your Free Network Assessment with Qual IT. We'll help your Salt Lake City property firm close cybersecurity gaps—from donation scams to phishing emails—so your good intentions don’t turn into liabilities.
Because the best gift you can give your operations team this season is a reputation that stays rock-solid.
