In Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, charity scams are on the rise according to Chinmay (name changed), a resident. “One or two individuals visit homes claiming to collect donations for an orphanage. They carry what seem to be valid certificates and ID cards and maintain a register to note down the names and donation amounts from each household,” he told indianexpress.com.
Explaining how scammers persuade unassuming people, Chinmay said, “These scammers often use psychological tactics, saying things like, ‘the family next to you donated this much, you can too.’ They even manipulate donation records by adding extra zeros, turning a Rs 200 entry into Rs 2,000, and then pressuring others into donating more.”
Offline scams are only part of the picture. Online charity scams, too, are on the rise. In a recent incident, Varun, from Karnataka, lost over Rs 1 lakh after receiving a WhatsApp message seeking donations for medical aid and education for the underprivileged. Believing it was from a legitimate charity, he clicked on a link and unknowingly downloaded a third-party app posing as an investment platform. Thinking it was genuine, he ended up losing his savings.
Charity scams take many forms – via phone calls, emails, social media, or door-to-door campaigns. Scammers often set up fake websites or social profiles that mimic reputable NGOs. They exploit recent disasters or humanitarian crises and use emotional language to create urgency.
“Many common charity scams today prey on people’s goodwill,” said cybersecurity expert Shubham Singh. “Scammers impersonate NGOs, launch fake crowdfunding pages, or pose as charitable trusts. They use phishing links disguised as donation portals, often shared via WhatsApp or Instagram, complete with emotional images and fake celebrity endorsements to earn trust quickly.”
Several cybercrime cells across India have uncovered fake NGO rackets, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, in 2022, Delhi Police busted a gang running fake websites and social media pages under the guise of COVID relief. Investigators traced them using digital footprints and banking records.
According to Singh, charity scams surge during natural disasters, festivals, or any crisis. “Fraudsters act fast. They clone legitimate NGO websites, use AI-generated images, fabricate stories, and circulate UPI QR codes or payment links through social media and messaging apps,” he said.
Scammers may also create lookalike domains or clone popular charity websites. Once users land on these spoofed sites, they’re asked to enter payment and personal information, leading to identity theft or direct financial loss. In some cases, clicking a malicious link also downloads harmful third-party apps.
Red flags to watch out for
Before making any donation online, it is important to check for warning signs that might indicate a scam.
🎯No official website or a suspicious-looking URL: Legitimate charities usually have a verified web presence, including that on social media platforms.
🎯Emotional or sensational appeals: Scammers use dramatic language and imagery to manipulate emotions of potential victims.
🎯Urgent pressure to donate: Real charities don’t rush or pressure donors into making decisions.
🎯Requests for donations via personal UPI IDs or wallets: Trusted organisations use secure, traceable payment methods.
🎯Lack of registration details or PAN numbers: Genuine NGOs are typically registered and share their legal details openly.
🎯Poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or low-quality visuals: Sloppy communication can be a sign of a fake message.
What can donors do to verify?
To avoid falling for scams, donors should take the following steps to verify the authenticity of a charity or fundraiser:
🎯Search for the name of the organisation on the official NGO Darpan portal (ngodarpan.gov.in) to check its registration and its background.
🎯Look for registration numbers, FCRA approval, and tax exemption certificates like 12A and 80G, which legitimate NGOs usually provide.
🎯Contact the organisation through official channels (website, verified phone number, or email) to confirm the fundraiser.
🎯Avoid donating to personal bank accounts or UPI wallets, as genuine NGOs typically use verified, secure payment methods.
🎯Use trusted platforms like GiveIndia or Ketto, which host verified and transparent fundraisers.
🎯Check the organisation’s financial filings on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal (mca.gov.in) for added transparency.
🎯Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Genuine NGOs will be open and willing to respond to your inquiries.
What are some safest ways to donate?
🎯Donate directly to reputable charities: Always donate through the charity’s official website or a well-known donation platform that partners with verified organisations. This helps you avoid falling for fake links or middlemen.
🎯Use safe payment options: Stick to secure payment methods like trusted payment gateways. Avoid sending money through cash or directly transferring it to a bank account using UPI, NEFT, or IMPS, unless you’re absolutely sure it’s safe.
🎯Keep a record: Save your donation receipts and any emails or messages you get from the charity. These can help at tax time and serve as proof if anything seems off later.
🎯Stay updated on scams: Scam tactics keep changing, so it is smart to stay informed. Check updates from official sources like government websites or trusted news outlets. You can also follow the ‘Cyber Digest’ by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) for the latest alerts on charity scams.
What to do if you are scammed
“If you’ve fallen victim, report it immediately through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal or call the 1930 financial fraud helpline,” said Singh. He also said victims can also approach the nearest cyber police station. Timely action can help banks and platforms freeze fraudulent accounts, though recovery isn’t always guaranteed. “Legal recourse is possible under the IT Act or Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), but success depends on speed and cooperation from intermediaries,” said Singh
“Building awareness through government-approved NGO directories, collaboration among tech platforms, and digital literacy programmes is crucial,” Singh said. “These initiatives should teach users how to recognise phishing attempts, verify URLs, cross-check payment details, and stay cautious before clicking any link or sharing personal information.”
The Safe Side
As the world evolves, the digital landscape does too, bringing new opportunities—and new risks. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, exploiting vulnerabilities to their advantage. In our special feature series, we delve into the latest cybercrime trends and provide practical tips to help you stay informed, secure, and vigilant online.
Charity scams take many forms – via phone calls, emails, social media, or door-to-door campaigns. 
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