Fraudsters are targeting Canadian donations related to Ukraine, CAFC says

By CityNews Staff

Canada’s anti-fraud centre says it is seeing an increase in charity and donation scams related to the situation in Ukraine.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) says alleged fraudsters are contacting victims by telephone, email, online, and social media by impersonating reputable charities.

“Unfortunately, fraudsters will attempt to use a situation like the one in Ukraine to steal your money,” the CAFC said.

The CAFC says, typically, a scammer will contact someone to ask for a donation to a charity, association, federation or religious cause. The scammer then uses “high-pressure tactics” to get you to donate immediately.

“As a result, the CAFC would like to remind Canadians to be wary of charity scams,” the organization said. “Charity/donation scams involve any false, deceptive, misleading or fraudulent solicitation for a donation to a charity, association, federation or religious cause. Scam artists hope to profit from people’s generosity and compassion for others in need.”

The CAFC urges people to ask for information in writing before donating to avoid charity scams. A legitimate charity or fundraiser will give you information about the charity’s mission, how your donation will be used, and proof that your contribution is tax-deductible, it says.

The Canadian-Ukraine Foundation is one website where interested parties can send funds to help the eastern European country. You can check that the charity is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.

Five weeks into the invasion that has left thousands dead on both sides, the number of Ukrainians fleeing the country topped a staggering four million, half of them children, according to the United Nations.

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