Outdated Fundraising Practices Are Putting People at Risk
Garve and District Community Council
Added at 15:28 on 30 August 2025
We are aware that requests to donate to political party campaigns ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections are popping through letter boxes already and we have serious concerns with some of these.
In 2025, when fraud and scams are among the most serious threats to our financial wellbeing, it is astonishing that some organisations still ask people to hand over their full card details – including security codes – on paper forms to be returned by post. This is not just outdated. It is reckless.
Why It’s a Problem
We spend years teaching communities to protect themselves: not to share their personal data unnecessarily, not to disclose financial details, not to make it easy for criminals. And yet, here come official fundraising appeals that flies in the face of all that advice.
Should such a form be lost in the post or fall into the wrong hands, the outcome is predictable: a bank account drained in minutes. And because the individual voluntarily supplied the details, the bank could refuse to accept responsibility.
Equally concerning is the continued practice of asking supporters to send cash donations by post. This is, quite simply, unsafe. Cash is untraceable, impossible to recover if lost or stolen, and offers no protection for the donor should it go missing in transit. Encouraging people to place banknotes in an envelope and hope for the best is not only outdated but irresponsible, placing the risk squarely on the shoulders of those who can least afford it. In 2025, when secure alternatives are plentiful, there is no excuse for requesting cash through the post.
For those who are not digitally adept, or people living in areas with little or no internet access, there are still safe ways to make donations without taking unnecessary risks. Cheques remain a far more secure option than sending cash, as they can be tracked, cancelled if necessary, and provide a clear record of payment. Alternatively, setting up a direct debit through a bank offers both security and legal protection should anything go wrong. These methods ensure that people who wish to contribute can do so safely, without exposing themselves to the risks of outdated or irresponsible practices.
“Everyone Else Does It” Is No Defence
It is sometimes claimed that other organisations or political parties do the same. But is that really an excuse? Surely we should expect higher standards, not excuses that drag us down to the lowest common denominator. If we say we want to act responsibly, we must lead by example.
Trust Is at Stake
The public deserves better. People who give their time, money, and energy to support a cause should not be put at unnecessary risk. Asking them to compromise their financial safety undermines trust and sends exactly the wrong message.
With encrypted digital payment systems, direct debit protections, and countless secure online methods available, there is no justification for continuing with insecure and outdated practices.
Time to Do Better
Financial safety in 2025 is non-negotiable. If an organisation cannot guarantee that its supporters’ data will be handled securely, it should rethink its approach entirely.
The bottom line is this: asking for sensitive financial details to be written down and sent in the post is indefensible. Those who continue to use such methods are failing the very people they claim to represent.
If you have any concerns or you are unsure please get in touch we are more than happy to help our community online and offline.