Scammers prey on do-gooders this time of year. Be leery of any calls or emails you get from an organization with a name that sounds familiar, but isn’t quite what you recognize.

Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization’s search function, https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/, to confirm the charitable status of an organization.

“Never hesitate to say no or ask to be sent more information," says Rick Cohen, chief communications officer of the National Council of Nonprofits in Washington. "Don’t feel pressure to give immediately. Make sure the organization is reputable and that their mission aligns with what you care about.”