Fake Charity Scams in Ukraine
Fraudulent humanitarian-aid and military-support collection schemes exploit donors both inside Ukraine and internationally, diverting funds intended for genuine relief.
Part of: Fake Charity Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Ukraine's ongoing humanitarian situation has made it a major focus of charity fraud, with criminal groups exploiting donor goodwill both domestically and internationally. The Cyberpolice of Ukraine and international bodies including the FBI and EUROPOL have all issued warnings about fraudulent Ukrainian charity solicitations.
Fraudulent charities appear on Telegram, Facebook and dedicated fundraising websites, presenting fabricated documentation, forged charity registration certificates and emotional imagery. Both Ukrainian citizens donating locally and international donors supporting Ukraine have been victimised.
How this scam works on Ukraine
Fake Telegram channels and Facebook pages purporting to collect funds for Ukrainian military brigades, displaced civilians or orphaned children share emotional photographs and video. Donors are directed to a MONOBANK 'jar' (kopilka) or a crypto wallet with no charitable accountability.
International donors are targeted through Facebook ads and email campaigns purporting to come from named Ukrainian NGOs, complete with forged registration documents and Ukrainian government seals. Donation links lead to foreign bank accounts with no connection to Ukraine.
In a variant exploiting displaced Ukrainians in EU countries, fake 'aid collection points' on Facebook collect physical donations of clothes and medication that are then sold commercially, with no delivery to Ukraine.
Common red flags
- Charity solicitation via Telegram or social media with no verifiable registration
- Donation directed to a private Monobank card or crypto wallet rather than a verified account
- Emotional imagery shared without attribution or source verification
- No public financial reporting or audit documents available
- Pressure to donate immediately with urgency language
- Organisation not listed on the Ukrainian Ministry of Social Policy's registered-charity database
How to protect yourself
- Donate only to charities registered with the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice
- Verify international charities through Charity Navigator, Give.org or the UK Charity Commission
- Use the official Prozorro system to verify Ukrainian government aid programmes
- Research the organisation's track record and public financial reports before donating
- Report suspected fraudulent charities to the Cyberpolice before wider sharing
How to report it
- Cyberpolice of Ukraine: cyberpolice.gov.ua — report fraudulent charity solicitations
- Ministry of Justice Ukraine: minjust.gov.ua — verify charity registrations
- EUROPOL: europol.europa.eu — report cross-border charity fraud
Frequently asked questions
How can I verify a Ukrainian charity is legitimate before donating?
Check the charity's registration in the Ukrainian Unified State Register of Legal Entities at usr.hsc.gov.ua. Legitimate Ukrainian aid organisations also typically appear on verified lists maintained by UNHCR, ICRC or well-known international NGOs.