The Volunteer Recruitment Scam

Flggd Scam School · Charity & Crisis Scams · Lesson 7 of 8

You got a message inviting you to volunteer, maybe even with a stipend attached. If you're checking whether a volunteer recruitment message is a scam, here's the pattern to look for.

The message looks like this

Why this is a scam

Real organizations never charge you to volunteer. The "background check fee" is the first harvest; your card details are the second.

The driver's license photo is the real prize. Combined with the personal details from your "application", it's enough to attempt identity theft in your name.

And the stipend? Volunteering that pays a salary, requires no experience, and selects people who never applied doesn't exist. The generosity is bait aimed at generous people.

Red flags checklist

• You were "selected" for something you never applied to.

• Any fee to start: background check, kit, uniform, registration.

• A request for your ID photo before you've met anyone.

• A paid stipend for unskilled, flexible "relief work".

• The organization isn't findable on charitynavigator.org or give.org.

The manipulation tactic

Flattery plus purpose. Being chosen to help feels good, and the scam uses your best instincts, generosity and willingness, as the hook.

What to do, and what not to do

• Volunteer through organizations you find and contact yourself.

• Never pay a fee to give your time; that is not a thing.

• Never send ID photos to an organization you haven't verified in person or through official channels.

• Check any group's name in the IRS tax-exempt search before sharing anything.

• Report the message and move on; your help is valuable, spend it where it's real.

Not sure about a message you've received? Check it in seconds with the free Flggd app.