Donate Safely

Beware of imposters. Unfortunately, scammers sometimes create fake donation pages, especially after a tragic event like a wildfire. Please only donate through our official website.

Donor Security FAQ

We take the protection of your personal and financial information seriously. Here are answers to common questions about giving securely to the Fire District Foundation of L.A. County.

Is it safe to donate online?

Yes. Our donation pages are protected with industry-standard SSL encryption — look for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar. We are PCI-compliant, which means we meet strict payment card security standards. We never store your full credit card number; your payment details go directly to our secure payment processor.

What information do we collect, and why?

We collect your name, contact information, and payment details solely to process your donation and send you a receipt. We will only contact you about your gift or our mission — never to share or sell your data. You can opt out of future communications at any time.

How do I spot a fake donation page or scam?

Scammers sometimes create fake pages that look like ours — especially after high-profile events like wildfires. Here's how to stay safe:

• Only donate through links on our official website: FDFLAC.org
• Check the URL carefully — our official site is the only legitimate place to give.
• We will never ask for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• If you receive an unexpected call or text asking for a donation, hang up and contact us directly.

How long do we keep your data?

We retain donation records as required by law for tax and accounting purposes. Only staff members who need access to fulfill your gift or respond to your requests can view your information. We do not share your data with third parties for marketing.

What happens if there is a data breach?

In the unlikely event of a security incident, we are committed to notifying affected donors promptly and transparently. We would contact you with clear information about what happened, what data may have been involved, and what steps we are taking to protect you.