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Donation fraud

Fake Charity Donation Scam

Fake donation posts use urgency and emotion. They may copy real photos, names, and disaster details while replacing the payment destination.

See what to do now Open the message check

The request may sound like this.

Urgent help needed. Donate now through this QR before midnight. Every rupee saves a life.

Why the request feels convincing.

People want to help quickly, especially during disasters or medical emergencies.

Stop when you see these signals.

  • QR or UPI ID not tied to the official organization
  • No official campaign page
  • Copied images with no original source
  • Pressure to donate before verifying
  • Personal account collecting for a large charity claim

If this is happening now.

  1. Donate through the official NGO website or known platform.
  2. Check whether the campaign exists on official channels.
  3. Search image/source context before sharing.
  4. Save suspicious appeals before reporting.

Do not.

  • Do not donate through random QR codes.
  • Do not forward emotional posts without source context.
  • Do not share private beneficiary details publicly.

Save this evidence.

  • Donation post screenshot
  • QR code or UPI ID
  • Account name
  • Claimed organization details

Reduce repeat risk.

  • Use official donation pages.
  • Verify NGO registration and official handles.
  • Prefer trusted platforms with receipts.

Questions people ask

Can a real fundraiser use UPI?

Yes, but verify that the UPI ID or QR belongs to the real person or organization before donating.

Should I forward donation appeals?

Only after checking the source, date, beneficiary, and official payment route.

Use a focused check