Attorney General Gentner Drummond is urging Oklahomans to take precautions when making charitable donations during the holiday season. With Giving Tuesday on December 2 marking the start of a busy period for charitable giving, Drummond emphasized the importance of ensuring that donations go to legitimate organizations.
“Oklahomans are incredibly generous people, and we see the Oklahoma Standard in action especially during the holidays as people show up for their neighbors with kindness and generosity,” said Drummond. “Unfortunately, bad actors seek to exploit that generosity. By taking a few simple steps to verify a charity’s legitimacy, donors can ensure their hard-earned money goes where it’s intended and makes a real difference in people’s lives.”
Earlier this year, Drummond established the Charity Enforcement Unit. This unit was created to address fraudulent activity, protect donors, and ensure that charitable organizations comply with state laws.
The Attorney General’s office offered several tips for safe giving. Donors are encouraged not to rush into decisions or feel pressured by immediate requests for donations. They should ask for key information about charities—including full name, address, contact details—and confirm if donations are tax-deductible under federal law.
It is also recommended that individuals research charities before donating by learning about their programs and finances and checking whether they have tax-exempt status under federal regulations. Caution is advised when encountering organizations using names or logos similar to well-known groups or employing high-pressure tactics.
Additional guidance on researching charities and instructions on how to file complaints can be found at oklahoma.gov/oag/charity.
