This Holiday “Good Cause” Might Be a Credit Card Test Scam

By Greg Collier

With so many purchases flying by during the holiday season, it’s easy to overlook a small charge here or there on your credit card statement, especially if it looks like a donation.

That’s exactly what scammers are counting on.

If you spot a charity charge you don’t remember authorizing, it may not be holiday generosity you forgot about. It may be a credit card testing scam, and the small charge is just the beginning.

What’s Going On

During December, nearly 30% of all charitable giving takes place. Between gifts, travel, and end-of-year expenses, most people aren’t scrutinizing every $2–$20 charge.

Scammers know this.

Instead of immediately draining an account, they often start small, quietly checking whether stolen credit card numbers still work before going bigger.

How the Scam Works

Here’s the typical pattern:

  1. Your credit card information is stolen
    • Through a data breach
    • A sketchy online purchase
    • A phishing scam
    • Or malware on a device
  2. Scammers “test” the card
    • They make small donations—often just a few dollars
    • Charity sites are ideal because tiny donations are common and rarely questioned
  3. The charge goes through
    • This confirms the card is active
    • The scammer now knows the number is usable
  4. Larger fraud follows
    • Big purchases
    • Cash advances
    • Or repeated unauthorized charges

By the time you notice, hundreds—or thousands—of dollars may already be gone.

Real-World Examples

One report described a person approached by two men claiming to raise money for a child needing medical care. The donor was told they’d be charged $20.

The actual charge? $2,400.

Another victim reported that after shopping on a questionable discount site, their debit card was hit with a string of fraudulent charges:

  • $2
  • $12
  • $29
  • $67—listed as a “charity” charge

Those early charges were the warning signs. The final one confirmed the card was still valid.

Why This Scam Is Easy to Miss

  • Charges are small
  • The description looks legitimate
  • It happens during the busiest spending month of the year
  • People assume it’s a donation they forgot making

By the time the fraud is obvious, the damage is already done.

Red Flags

  • Charity charges you don’t recognize
  • Multiple small charges in a short period
  • Donations made after shopping on unfamiliar websites
  • Requests for payment via:
    • Gift cards
    • Wire transfers
    • Peer-to-peer apps
  • Pressure to “donate now” without verification

If something feels off, it probably is.

How to Protect Yourself

Check your statements regularly
Don’t wait until the end of the month. Scan your charges frequently, especially in December.

Report suspicious charges immediately
Contact your card issuer’s fraud department right away. Waiting only helps the scammer.

Replace compromised cards
Once fraud is suspected:

  • Cancel the card
  • Get a new number
  • Change your PIN

Be cautious online

  • Avoid suspicious discount sites
  • Don’t click donation links from unsolicited messages
  • Keep devices updated with anti-malware software
  • Look for secure sites (https and lock icon—but remember, those alone aren’t guarantees)

Use credit cards, not debit cards
Credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protections and faster recovery for unauthorized charges.

Final Thoughts

That “tiny donation” you don’t remember making may not be kindness—it may be a test run.

Scammers rely on distraction, goodwill, and holiday chaos to slip under the radar. A few dollars today can turn into a financial headache tomorrow.

This season, generosity is good—but vigilance is better.

Further Reading

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