Taproot Plus was built to connect nonprofits with skilled volunteers who are genuinely excited to support your work. Most of the volunteers on our platform are here for the right reasons—ready to lend their expertise to help your organization thrive. But on rare occasions, a bad actor may slip through the cracks.
This article will help you recognize suspicious behavior, understand what to do if it happens, and feel confident knowing Taproot is here to support.
What Misuse Looks Like
Scammer on Taproot Plus may:
Use applications or messages to advertise their services on products.
Request payment for work that's meant to be pro bono.
Apply to multiple unrelated projects, often without relevant skills or experience.
Use VPN to create an account outside our regions of service. Taproot Plus is currently available to users in the U.S., E.U., India, and Canada. Volunteers outside these regions are not eligible to participate, even if they mask their location.
These behaviors go against our Terms of Service, which are designed to protect nonprofits and ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
How to Spot a Suspicious Account
Here are some signs that a volunteer may not be engaging in good faith:
Generic or vague applications that don't mention your project's specifics.
Promotional language or links to external businesses.
Requests for compensation, even if framed as "optional" or "suggested."
Sparse or inconsistent profiles, including use of a name that doesn't match their LinkedIn or location inconsistencies.
If something feels off, it's okay to pause and ask questions. Trust your gut and reach out to our team with concerns.
Taking Action When Something Doesn't Feel Right
If you encounter suspicious behavior:
Decline the application in your Dashboard.
Report the account by emailing us at help@taprootplus.org. Include the volunteer's name and a brief description of what raised concern.
We'll review the report and take appropriate action to keep our community safe.
You're Not Alone—We're in Your Corner
Taproot is committed to creating space where nonprofits can confidently connect with volunteers who are here for the right reasons. Misuse is uncommon, but when it does happen, we take it seriously.
Our team is here to support you, answer questions, and help you navigate any concerns. Together, we can maintain a trusted space for pro bono collaboration.