TECH NOW: Safety tips for giving to charities online

• Tip: Watch for red flags on websites and in emails

Charitable organizations make it easier than ever for you to donate online to your favorite cause. But cyber criminals are waiting in the shadows, intent on diverting your good intentions and lining their own pockets instead. In this TECH NOW, find out how to give without being had.

— Don't click on an email from anyone you don't know. If you think you know the person — but the email doesn't make much sense — don't follow the links or download any "further information." And be wary of unsolicited offers that flow into your Inbox. If you have to click on a link to see what it's about, that's a big red flag.

— Pay attention to the name of the charity. If it's the name of a familiar charity make sure the name, logo and URL match exactly. Any site where you're putting credit card information should start with an "https" — think "s" for security.

— Use tech tools for good. Sites like Just Give or Network for Good can help making giving to charity easy, convenient and safe for everyone involved.

Jennifer Jolly is an Emmy award-winning consumer tech contributor and host of USA Today's new daily digital TECH NOW . Email her at techcomments@usatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter: @JenniferJolly.