What common justification do fraudsters use for deceitful fundraising?

Fraudsters often justify their deceitful fundraising by presenting themselves as charitable organizations dedicated to helping the community. This approach leverages the goodwill and trust individuals have toward charitable causes, which can make the solicitation for funds compelling. By framing their fundraising efforts in a way that appeals to the donor's desire to support positive initiatives, fraudsters create an illusion of legitimacy. This manipulation of emotions is powerful, as it often involves empathy toward a cause or community that can resonate with potential donors.

Claiming to be established organizations, promising tax deductions, or offering rewards may all have their roles in certain fundraising schemes, but the core justification for many fraudsters hinges on the appeal to altruism and the desire to contribute to a charitable cause. This is what primarily enables the fraudulent activity, as it disguises their true intentions and misleads donors into believing they are supporting worthy endeavors.