Blog: Simple controls can help protect charities from fraud
By Padraig Quinn, Head of Compliance and Enquiries
Technology continues to create new opportunities for charities to engage with donors, beneficiaries and volunteers. Unfortunately, it also creates new opportunities for fraudsters. Criminals are constantly adapting their tactics and exploiting emerging technologies, making it more important than ever for charities to remain vigilant and keep their controls under regular review.
While the methods may change, the underlying objective is often the same: gaining access to money, information or systems by exploiting weaknesses in processes or human behaviour. For trustees, understanding these risks and ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place is an important part of protecting charitable assets and maintaining public trust.
With scams and cyber threats continuing to evolve, it can be difficult to know what to look out for and what steps to take. That's why Charity Fraud Awareness Week provides an important opportunity to pause and consider whether your charity's safeguards remain fit for purpose.
Charity Fraud Awareness Week is an annual international campaign that brings together the charity and not-for-profit sectors to raise awareness of fraud and cybercrime risks. The 2026 campaign runs from 2 to 6 November and encourages organisations to strengthen their fraud prevention practices.
No charity is immune from the risk of fraud. However, simple measures can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim. Basic cyber security steps, such as using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication and keeping software up to date, can help protect against common threats. Trustees should also encourage staff and volunteers to be alert to suspicious emails and messages and to take extra care before acting on requests for payments or changes to bank details. Alongside these measures, controls such as requiring two people to authorise payments and ensuring financial responsibilities are shared appropriately can provide valuable safeguards.
Planning periodic reviews of your cyber security arrangements is also good practice. This not only helps keep policies and procedures up to date but also ensures charities can better respond to new and emerging threats.
Similarly, if your budget permits, regular fraud awareness training can help staff and volunteers stay up to date on common scams and know what action to take if something doesn't seem right.
Prompt reporting of suspected fraud can also help minimise losses and prevent further harm.
Whether a charity is large or small, these kinds of practical steps can help prevent and detect fraud, protecting charitable assets and helping to maintain the trust and confidence that is essential to charitable work.
For more advice on fraud prevention, have a look at the range of resources and events available on the Prevent Charity Fraud website. As the image below highlights, awareness is powerful. Understanding the risks and taking practical steps to protect your charity can make a significant difference.
Published: 3 November 2026