Charity & Donation Scams

What is this scam?

Charity scams exploit the generous spirit and faith of Indians. They peak during natural disasters, religious festivals, and health crises — precisely when the impulse to help is strongest and verification feels least important. Fraudulent NGOs, fake disaster relief QR codes, counterfeit religious charity drives, and fabricated crowdfunding campaigns divert money intended for genuine causes.

How it works — step by step

1. 1

   Fake NGO collector approaches at home or workplace with a printed ID and collection box.

2. 2

   After disasters — fake UPI QR codes spread on WhatsApp claiming to be relief funds for victims.

3. 3

   Fake representatives of temples, dargahs, or churches collect for 'construction or renovations.'

4. 4

   Fabricated crowdfunding stories of ill children or accident victims — photos often stolen from legitimate cases.

Common variants (4)

🚩 Red flags — warning signs

• ⚠️NGO cannot provide 80G certificate number or FCRA registration number
• ⚠️Donation requested via WhatsApp QR code after a disaster — only use official government portals
• ⚠️Representative outside a temple or religious site collecting cash in unmarked boxes
• ⚠️Crowdfunding campaign with no verifiable hospital or doctor details

✅ What to do if you've been targeted

1. 1Verify any NGO at DARPAN portal: ngodarpan.gov.in
2. 2For disaster relief — only donate to PM CARES Fund (pmcares.gov.in) or official state relief funds
3. 3Always get an official receipt with the organisation's name, address, and 80G certificate details
4. 4Report fake NGOs to the Ministry of Home Affairs FCRA wing
5. 5File complaint on cybercrime.gov.in for online charity fraud

📋 Official resources & complaint portals

• →ngodarpan.gov.in
• →pmcares.gov.in
• →cybercrime.gov.in
• →Ministry of Home Affairs FCRA wing