Fake Charity Scams in Egypt
Fraudulent fundraising campaigns impersonating Egyptian charities, Islamic giving platforms, or regional humanitarian causes to divert zakat and sadaqah donations.
Part of: Fake Charity Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Fake charity fraud in Egypt exploits the culture of Islamic charitable giving — zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and sadaqah (voluntary charity) — particularly during Ramadan and following regional humanitarian crises. Fraudulent campaigns appear on Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok, using compelling imagery and religious language to solicit donations that never reach genuine beneficiaries.
Some operations impersonate real Egyptian registered charities, while others create entirely fictitious organizations with official-sounding Arabic names and fabricated registration numbers.
How this scam works on Egypt
A Facebook post or TikTok video circulates showing images of families in need — sometimes using real images from legitimate crises repurposed without consent — with a call for donations to a WhatsApp number or bank account. The appeal uses Quranic verses and religious language to create urgency and obligation.
During Ramadan, mass WhatsApp messages circulate from numbers impersonating well-known Egyptian charitable organizations such as Resala or Misr Elkheir, requesting zakat transfers to personal accounts. These messages may include fabricated official logos and registration numbers.
After regional conflicts or natural disasters, 'aid organizations' rapidly materialize on social media collecting donations with no accountability for how funds are used.
Common red flags
- Donation request via personal WhatsApp number or bank account rather than official charity payment systems
- Charity registration number cannot be verified with Egypt's Ministry of Social Solidarity
- Social media account recently created or with few followers despite large outreach
- Use of emotional imagery that reverse-image-searches to unrelated sources
- Urgency language: 'donate before Iftar', 'last hours of Ramadan giving'
- No transparency about how donations are used or distributed
How to protect yourself
- Donate only to charities registered with Egypt's Ministry of Social Solidarity (mos.gov.eg)
- Verify charity registration numbers through the Ministry's official portal
- Use the official payment channels of known Egyptian charities (Resala, Misr Elkheir, Banque du Caire foundations) directly through their websites
- Avoid donating to unsolicited WhatsApp requests regardless of how emotionally compelling
- Share concerns about suspicious charity appeals with your local mosque or religious community leader
How to report it
- Report fraudulent charitable fundraising to Egypt's Ministry of Social Solidarity at mos.gov.eg
- File with the Ministry of Interior cybercrime unit at mcit.gov.eg
- Report fake charity social media accounts through Facebook, WhatsApp, or TikTok reporting tools
Frequently asked questions
How can I verify if an Egyptian charity is officially registered?
Egypt's Ministry of Social Solidarity (وزارة التضامن الاجتماعي) maintains a registry of licensed civil society organizations (NGOs and charities). You can verify an organization's registration at mos.gov.eg or by contacting the Ministry directly. Registered charities have official registration numbers that can be cross-referenced.