India has a long tradition of giving. Whether it’s supporting a medical emergency, donating to a temple, or helping in disaster relief—we respond with open hearts. Unfortunately, not everyone has good intentions.
Generosity Is Our Strength—But It’s Being Exploited
As online payments have made donating easier, they’ve also opened the door to scammers who prey on emotion and urgency. From fake relief funds to cloned websites, charity scams are not only increasing—they’re also getting harder to detect.
Learn how to protect your donations from fraud and ensure they reach the right hands.
Real Life Examples
Charity scams have surfaced during nearly every major crisis in recent years. Below are some of the most disturbing examples:
1. COVID-19 Oxygen Fundraisers
During the pandemic, social media was flooded with desperate requests for oxygen and ICU beds. While many of these were genuine, others were carefully orchestrated scams. Fraudsters raised lakhs of rupees using emotional posts—then deleted their accounts once the money arrived.
2. Fake NGOs After Natural Disasters
In the aftermath of events like Cyclone Amphan, scammers posed as relief organizations. They used fake names, forged IDs, and random UPI accounts to collect donations. As a result, countless well-meaning citizens unknowingly funded fraudulent campaigns.
3. Religious Donation Fraud
Especially during festival seasons, some fraudsters go door to door claiming to collect funds for temple renovations or rituals. They often carry receipts and laminated photos. However, many of the so-called temples simply don’t exist.
How Scammers Trick You into Donating
Scammers are constantly evolving their methods. In many cases, they appear professional, urgent, and deeply emotional—all designed to catch you off guard.
| Channel | Tactics Used |
|---|---|
| Mass forwards with fake donation appeals and QR codes | |
| Phone Calls | Callers impersonating local NGO workers or religious leaders |
| Social Media | Fake stories featuring touching images and suspicious payment links |
| Door-to-Door | Individuals collecting for orphanages or rituals without proof |
| Cloned Websites | Fake versions of real charity sites with nearly identical layouts |
Clearly, these scams are highly manipulative. Therefore, it’s important to stay alert to the red flags.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Before you donate, take time to evaluate the situation. Here are some of the most common warning signs of a charity scam:
- The UPI ID or account name doesn’t match the charity’s name
- There’s no mention of a valid 80G or FCRA certificate
- You’re pressured to donate immediately—with no room for questions
- All messaging is emotional, with no verifiable information
- The charity’s website or social media account was created very recently
In short, if something feels off, it probably is.
How to Donate Safely in India
Fortunately, protecting yourself from charity scams is entirely possible. By following a few smart practices, you can make sure your money goes exactly where it’s needed:
- Donate through trusted platforms such as GiveIndia, Ketto, or Milaap. These platforms verify fundraisers before listing them.
- Use only official government websites when contributing to CM or PM relief funds. Always double-check UPI IDs and URLs.
- Verify any NGO through NGO Darpan, a government-run directory for registered organizations.
- Ask for proper documentation, including 80G (for tax exemption) or FCRA (for foreign contributions) certificates.
- Avoid cash donations to unknown individuals. If you must donate in person, ask for an ID and an official receipt.
- Use reverse image search on viral posts to check whether the photos have been stolen or recycled from old campaigns.
By taking these steps, you can give confidently—without fear of being cheated.
Let’s Keep Helping—But Stay Smart
Job hunting is often difficult and emotionally draining. Unfortunately, scammers know this and use it to their advantage. The same applies to donations—fraudsters count on your kindness and urgency.
However, with the right awareness and a cautious approach, you can protect both your heart and your wallet.
Before paying, signing, or celebrating a new opportunity to help, take a moment to verify. After all, a genuine cause will never pressure you to act blindly—or demand money without transparency.
Remember: Pause. Verify. Then Donate.
If you come across a suspicious charity or donation request, report it immediately:
- Cyber Crime Cell Helpline: 1930
- National Cyber Crime Portal: cybercrime.gov.in
- ScamYodha
By staying informed and alert, we can ensure our generosity reaches the right people—not the wrong hands.
A tech enthusiast and developer who writes about real-world digital challenges, aiming to simplify complex topics for everyday users.