Yeah this shouldn't be much of a surprise to anybody [of course due warning is required]. We had people around here impersonate Salvation Army collection agents outside shops and whatnot, and they were frauds. The holidays are a big rip-off not just through the marketing and gift obsession that's so rooted in North American tradition, but also an opportunity to receive people's sympathy and financial aid. Sure, even the reputable charities are counting on it, but at least most of the money are going where you want them to go.

Tragedies, religion, things that appeal to the individual's sense of social responsabilities or cliches... these are things that will make people stop thinking at times and just "charge it". Many would find it so unbelievable that anybody would try to profit from other's tragedies, but that's just being naive.

Thanks for the heads-up on the scam... the problem here is that you can't decide how much you want to donate, really... since the scammers can drain the CC.

Still a good idea to heed the advice of many [including Mitnick ] and use a low-amout credit card for anything online [or see if the bank allows for restrictions on things that are bought online, not sure if/how that's always possible]. And follow your instincts... if it doesn't feel right, don't do it [I do not mean giving to charity but the way the charity is set-up].