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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.

if you got this

Treat it as a scam until you check. Don’t click, pay or share a code. Donate through the official NGO website or known platform.

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what it looks like

Forwarded

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

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

red flags

  • 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 it’s 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.
Already clicked, paid or shared something?

Don’t

  • 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

Stop it happening again

  • 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.

Last reviewed 8 July 2026.