In times of crisis, many of us feel compelled to help. Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of that generosity by posing as fake charities, especially following natural disasters.

Before you donate, take a moment to verify that the organization is legitimate. A good starting point is the IRS’s online tool for checking tax-exempt charities; it’s quick, free, and could save you from a costly mistake.

Be especially cautious if you’re being pressured to give immediately, asked to send money via gift cards or wire transfers, or if someone requests sensitive personal information like your Social Security number. These are all warning signs of a potential scam.

Giving should feel good. When in doubt, do a little research before you open your wallet.

Read more about common consumer scams here.