Alert: Counterfeit check scam

We’ve recently learned of a counterfeit check scam targeting individuals in the United States, where individuals are receiving paper checks that appear to be from GiveDirectly. The counterfeit checks are printed on paper, with GiveDirectly falsely listed as the payer and received via postal mail.

GiveDirectly does not send out paper checks or payments of any nature directly to anyone without first being selected to enroll in a program. 

How GiveDirectly does issue paper checks:

  • The GiveDirectly team offers individuals the opportunity to receive a paper check only through its Hyperwallet payment platform once enrolled in our programs. 
  • If you were not selected to receive a payment from GiveDirectly and did not request a paper check through your Hyperwallet portal, you will not receive a check from us in the mail.

If you’ve received a check that you suspect may be counterfeit:

Email us at [email protected] to report the incident.

Additional guidance on avoiding counterfeit check scams can be found on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website

If you think you’ve been targeted by a counterfeit check scam, report it to: