Fake charity appeals and aid collections: beware of fraudsters exploiting compassion

Helping people in need, supporting medical treatment and assisting families facing hardship are important community values. However, some individuals exploit compassion and trust to collect money under the guise of charity. Such deception causes financial harm and undermines confidence in genuine efforts to help others.

Fraudulent appeals may use other people’s photographs, outdated announcements or altered documents. For example, a collection for treatment that has already taken place may be presented as an active appeal, or the payment details in a genuine charity announcement may be replaced. Materials published by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Justice also identify cases involving donations obtained through false appeals for assistance. gov.uz

Statements such as “today is the only chance”, “there is no time to check” or “send money immediately” call for caution. Numerous shares, emotional photographs and the logo of a well-known organisation do not guarantee that an appeal is genuine. Equally, the use of a personal bank card does not by itself prove fraud. What matters is verifying who is organising the collection, who will receive the assistance, its purpose and the authenticity of the payment details.

Before donating, find the original announcement, check its publication date and contact the organiser through an independently verified channel. If an appeal is made on behalf of an organisation, compare the details with information on its official platforms. Verification should also respect the recipient’s privacy and the confidentiality of medical information.

Article 168 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan establishes liability for obtaining another person’s property or rights to that property through deception or abuse of trust. Collecting money through false statements under the guise of charity may fall under this article where the required elements of the offence are established. A donor’s voluntary transfer does not exclude liability if the money was obtained through deception. However, a delay in providing assistance or shortcomings in reporting do not, by themselves, establish fraud: intent to obtain funds through deception and other relevant circumstances must be proved through evidence. advice.adliya.uz

Never enter a banking application password, PIN or one-time SMS code through an unknown link sent for making a donation. Avoid sharing unverified appeals. If fraud is suspected, preserve the announcement’s link, screenshots, correspondence and payment receipts, and report the matter to the internal affairs authorities. Contact the bank immediately if banking credentials have been disclosed. advice.adliya.uz

Students, teaching staff and employees should make verification a routine part of supporting charitable initiatives. Thoughtful and careful giving helps donations reach the people who genuinely need assistance.