What strategy do phony charities often use to solicit donations?

Phony charities frequently employ the strategy of having children conduct door-to-door fundraising as it tends to evoke compassion and trust among potential donors. When children are involved, people are more likely to be sympathetic and may feel a sense of obligation to contribute, believing they are supporting a good cause. This tactic takes advantage of the emotional appeal associated with children and can undermine the skepticism individuals might otherwise apply when approached for donations.

This approach can be particularly effective because most people may feel uncomfortable rejecting a child asking for help, making it a manipulative but powerful method for scams. Using children in fundraising efforts can also lend an air of legitimacy to the charity, as the involvement of minors often suggests that the organization is focused on noble causes—another layer that phony charities exploit.

In contrast, other methods, such as using social media campaigns or organizing large public events, typically require more extensive planning and resources, which may not align with the operational constraints of a fraudulent organization. Likewise, sending adult volunteers to local businesses may not evoke the same emotional response and could be met with greater skepticism. Therefore, the use of children as fundraisers stands out as an effective yet deceptive strategy in the realm of phony charity solicitation.