Charity fraud occurs when individuals or organizations deceive people into donating money or resources under the guise of supporting a charitable cause. This can involve fake charities, misrepresentation of how donations will be used, or even impersonating legitimate charities to solicit funds. Victims often believe they are helping those in need, only to find out their contributions were misappropriated. To combat charity fraud, it is essential for donors to research organizations before giving. Checking for nonprofit status, reading reviews, and verifying financial transparency can help ensure that contributions go to legitimate causes. Awareness and vigilance are key in preventing fraud and protecting charitable giving.