Fake Charity Scams in Malta
Fraudulent charity appeals exploit Malta's generous community culture with fake campaigns mimicking real Maltese charities and international disaster appeals.
Part of: Fake Charity Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Malta has a strong culture of charitable giving, with high participation in national fundraising events. Fraudulent charity operations exploit this generosity by mimicking the branding of well-known Maltese charities or by creating plausible emergency appeals following international disasters.
Small-island dynamics mean fake campaigns shared through Facebook or WhatsApp chains can reach a substantial portion of the population quickly, and social pressure from shared posts can override individual scepticism.
How this scam works on Malta
A Facebook post or WhatsApp chain message shares a charity appeal using names similar to well-known Maltese organisations — Community Chest Fund, Puttinu Cares, or Caritas Malta. Donations are directed to a personal bank account rather than an official charity portal.
International disaster appeals also circulate, with fake Malta-administered aid funds created to capture donations. Some operations create entirely new charity names with professional Facebook pages and collect donations for months before disappearing.
Common red flags
- Donation requests go to a personal bank account rather than a registered charity account.
- The charity name resembles a known Maltese organisation but is not identical.
- The appeal circulates via WhatsApp chain with no verifiable organisational backing.
- The charity cannot be found on the Malta Voluntary Organisations register.
How to protect yourself
- Verify any charity on the Malta Voluntary Organisations register at vofunding.gov.mt.
- Donate through the official charity website rather than via social media appeals.
- Be sceptical of appeals to personal mobile payment accounts.
- For international disaster relief, use established verified organisations such as the Red Cross or UNHCR.
How to report it
- Report to Malta Police Force cybercrime unit.
- Report the Facebook page or WhatsApp account to those platforms.
- Notify the real charity if their branding is being impersonated.
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify a Maltese charity is genuine?
Check the Malta Voluntary Organisations (VO) register at vofunding.gov.mt. All legitimate Maltese charitable organisations should be registered there.