Fake Charity Scams in Morocco
Fraudulent charity appeals exploiting Moroccan earthquake, poverty, and orphan narratives to solicit donations from diaspora and international donors.
Part of: Fake Charity Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Following Morocco's September 2023 earthquake in the High Atlas region, fake charity campaigns proliferated on social media, collecting donations in the name of earthquake relief that were never delivered to victims. Orphan sponsorship and rural poverty appeals using Morocco as their backdrop are also a recurring form of charity fraud targeting Moroccan diaspora in Europe.
Donors motivated by cultural or familial connection to Morocco are particularly vulnerable to appeals that use authentic-looking photographs and Moroccan Arabic text to add credibility.
How this scam works on Morocco
Facebook and Instagram posts display compelling photographs of children or earthquake-damaged villages, requesting donations via PayPal, bank transfer, or online payment links. The organisation has no verifiable registration or charity number and the photographs are either stock images or taken without the subjects' consent.
WhatsApp chain-share appeals use informal wording and personal testimonials to spread quickly through Moroccan community groups in Europe, collecting small amounts from large numbers of donors that aggregate into significant sums for the fraudster.
Orphan sponsorship scams promise monthly updates on a specific child in exchange for a recurring donation, with professional-looking websites that cannot be traced to any registered Moroccan charitable organisation.
Common red flags
- Charity cannot provide a Moroccan Ministry of Interior registration number
- Appeal spreads primarily via WhatsApp chain messages rather than official channels
- Payment requested by bank transfer or PayPal to a personal account
- Photographs reverse-image-search to unrelated sources or stock libraries
- No annual accounts, activity reports, or independent verification available
- Organisation name not findable on the Moroccan Association Register
How to protect yourself
- Donate only to organisations with verifiable Moroccan Ministry of Interior registration
- Use established international humanitarian organisations for disaster relief in Morocco
- Verify charity registration before donating through official channels
- Search the charity name alongside the word fraud or scam before donating
- Be especially cautious of appeals circulating primarily through WhatsApp
- Ask for a receipt and registration number for any donation you make
How to report it
- Report fake charities to Morocco DGSN cybercrime unit
- Alert the Moroccan Ministry of Interior Association Department if a fake registration is claimed
- Report to your local consumer protection or charity regulator if you are based abroad
Frequently asked questions
How can I verify a Moroccan charity is legitimate before donating?
Registered associations in Morocco hold a number from the Ministry of Interior. Ask the organisation directly for this number and verify it through the Ministry. Internationally operating organisations should also be registered in their country of operation. If neither can be provided, do not donate.