Alert : Fake humanitarian donation appeals – The conflict in Iran used as a pretext for a wave of online scams

Scammers are exploiting the emotion surrounding the conflict in Iran to launch fake fundraising campaigns and trap internet users.
Stay vigilant: here are the warning signs to spot them and the right steps to avoid giving money and personal data to fraudsters.

Fake humanitarian donation appeals linked to the conflict in Iran

Allegedly “urgent” donation campaigns are circulating on social media, by email and through messaging apps, redirecting users to fraudulent payment pages or trapped forms. Some also use manipulated videos (AI) to make the story more credible and push people to act quickly.

How the scam works

Fraudsters spread emotional messages (photos, videos, testimonials) and add a link to a “fundraiser” or an “NGO website” that imitates a real humanitarian organization. They rely on urgency (“last day”, “matching”, “immediate aid”) to pressure you into paying or entering your information.
The goal is to obtain your money (card payment, bank transfer, crypto) and/or your data (identity details, bank card information, email access) through phishing pages and fake “donation” forms.

Warning signs : shortened or unusual link, recently created or little-known website, spelling mistakes or inconsistencies, requests for cryptocurrency or gift cards, time pressure, vague NGO identity, sensationalist, unverifiable videos, bank details in the name of a private individual, absence of legal information.

Some advice:

• 🔎 Verify the organization: look for its official website and use its usual donation pages (not a link you received).
• 🧾 Check the URL: be wary of similar-looking names, unusual domains, shortened links and pages without legal notices.
• ⏳ Refuse urgency: a legitimate charity will not force you to “donate now or never”.
• 🔒 Protect your information: never share codes, passwords or card numbers via a suspicious form.
• 📹 Be cautious with shocking videos: a viral clip may be generated or manipulated (AI). Cross-check with several reliable sources.
• 💳 Use traceable payment methods: avoid requests for crypto, gift cards or transfers to private individuals.
• 🧠 Take a pause: before donating, reread the message, verify the sender, and ask someone you trust for their opinion.
• 🚫 If in doubt: do not pay, do not click, and close the page.

Conclusion

If you believe you have been caught out, contact your bank immediately (cancel your card, dispute the transaction), change your passwords and keep screenshots, URLs, emails and proof of payment. You can report this content and these links to help limit their spread via Report Fraud (UK) and the Federal Trade Commission (US), and seek advice from the National Cyber Security Centre (UK) or the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (US).
Reporting the scam on official platforms and talking about it around you helps prevent further victims.

To go further and strengthen your reflexes against online scams, also see: Key points to avoid most online scams and A list of anti-fraud websites useful 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 : economie.gouv.fr | aufeminin.com | lexpress.fr | kwqc.com
Last updated : 10 March 2026.
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