(ECNS) - More than 60 percent of people are dubious about the credibility of charities that raise funds on the Internet, according to a survey by China Youth Daily's social research center.
The center finds that 62.4 percent of interviewees are concerned that online philanthropic fundraising is susceptible to fraud.
Despite that, 47.4 percent say they have donated via online platforms, yet only 28.5 percent say they trust the organizers, be it an organization or an individual.
Zhao Lianhui, a professor at the China University of Political Science and Law, says it is unclear who is qualified to raise funds online for charitable causes. Current law says that philanthropic NGOs and government bodies that fit certain requirements are qualified. However, the law has no specific regulations regarding individuals.
Over 31 percent of respondents keep track of donations while 37.9 percent do not. Of those surveyed, 27.9 percent say they support individual online fundraising efforts while 29.7 percent do not.
Some 89.8 percent of the interviewees have a college degree or higher.
Yu Ming, a college student from Guizhou Normal University, says, "I always confirm the information and make sure it's true before donating."
