Alert : Fake Charity and Crowdfunding Scams

Scammers frequently exploit people’s generosity by creating fake fundraisers or crowdfunding pages for fictitious causes. These frauds occur worldwide and increase during disasters or solidarity campaigns. Learn how to spot and avoid fake collections.

Fake Donations or Solidarity Campaigns

Platforms or messages circulate, urging you to support a person in need, an association, or a humanitarian cause. The funds collected are then pocketed by fraudsters.

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters set up moving fundraising pages shared by email, social media, or word of mouth. The stories are often fabricated or exaggerated, and there is no real verification of how funds are used.
Warning signs: lack of transparency on how donations are used, no official registration number, recently created page, no updates or proof of real action.

Some Tips:

• 🔎 Always verify the organizer’s identity and the official existence of the cause.
• 🌐 Prefer recognized platforms and registered charities.
• 📄 Ask for receipts or proof of how the funds are used.
• 🚫 Don’t give if the fundraiser offers no verifiable contact or seems too emotional.
• 📢 Report any suspicious page on the platform and to the authorities.

Conclusion

Before making a donation, take time to verify the fundraiser’s legitimacy and favor trusted organizations. If in doubt or in case of fraud, report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
See our special guide:
List of anti-fraud websites for consumers

Written by : René Ronse
Methodology : Our alert articles are based on regular monitoring of national reporting platforms, feedback from victims, and statements issued by relevant authorities.
About the author : René Ronse, manager of ArnaqueOuFiable.com. Expert in consumer cybersecurity, specialist in detecting online fraud, product transparency, and digital compliance. He has over 20 years of experience analyzing hidden subscription mechanisms, unreadable terms and conditions, aggressive sales tactics, and deceptive commercial practices on the web.
Sources : waff.com | nerdwallet.com | linkedin.com | abc.net.au
Last updated : 23 July 2025.
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