In the month of observing Ramadan, the spirit of giving intensifies, with millions of pounds donated by the Muslim community across the UK.
Unfortunately, this generosity can also attract fraudsters who seek to exploit well-meaning donors through fake charities, fraudulent appeals, and impersonation scams. To protect donations and ensure they reach their intended causes, the Charity Commission, Muslim Charities Forum, and the Fundraising Regulator have launched a campaign to encourage safe giving practices.
The campaign highlights several steps that donors should take to give with confidence:
- Verify Charity Registration Check the receiving charity’s legitimacy on the Charity Register at www.gov.uk/checkcharity.
- Protect Financial Details Be cautious when sharing payment information with unfamiliar organisations.
- Be Aware of Scams Watch for emails, texts, and social media messages soliciting donations, especially those with suspicious links.
- Understand How Donations Are Used Research how funds are spent to ensure they benefit the intended causes.
- Look for the Fundraising Badge Charities adhering to ethical fundraising practices are registered with the Fundraising Regulator.
- Verify Face-to-Face Collections Fundraisers should have a license from their local authority or, in London, the Metropolitan Police.
If a fundraising appeal appears suspicious, donors are encouraged to report it to Action Fraud.
For charities, this guidance serves as an opportunity to reinforce trust with donors. By being transparent about fundraising methods and how funds are spent, charities can demonstrate their legitimacy and maintain public confidence. Additionally, promoting safe giving practices can help prevent fraud in the sector, ensuring that charitable donations continue to support genuine causes.
