What is a hallmark of a charity scam?

A hallmark of a charity scam is that the scammer requests donations but has no affiliation with a real charity. This means the individual or organization asking for money is not registered or recognized as a legitimate charitable entity, which is crucial for ensuring that donations are being used appropriately and for their intended charitable purposes.

Legitimate charities are typically registered with government authorities and have a clear mission statement, financial accountability, and transparency about how donations are used. Scammers, on the other hand, may use emotional appeals or urgent messaging to convince people to give money, but they do not have the backing of a recognized charity, making it impossible for donors to be certain their contributions will support any real cause.

The other possible options involve characteristics of legitimate charities or legal practices that do not apply to scam situations. For instance, while some scammers may attempt to present themselves as affiliated with legitimate charities, that in itself does not define a charity scam. Additionally, providing tax-deductible receipts is specific to genuine charities and not applicable to frauds, and operating within legal limits is often not a characteristic of a charity scam, which frequently involves deceit and exploitation.