Fake Charity Scams in Zambia
How fraudulent charity appeals exploit Zambia's genuine humanitarian needs to collect donations that never reach beneficiaries.
Part of: Fake Charity Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Zambia faces real challenges with rural poverty, food security, and access to education and healthcare. Fake charity scammers exploit these genuine needs by creating fictional organisations or impersonating real NGOs to solicit donations via WhatsApp, Facebook, and email.
Both Zambians at home and in the diaspora are targeted. Diaspora giving is substantial and well-known, making it a specific focus for scammers who craft appeals designed to reach Zambians living abroad.
How this scam works on Zambia
Fake charity appeals circulate via WhatsApp chains and Facebook posts, describing urgent situations — a village without food, children needing school fees, or a family affected by flooding. Personal mobile-money accounts are provided as the donation destination.
Some scammers create Facebook pages that closely resemble established Zambian charities, using similar names and copied photography. Others target diaspora Zambian communities on Facebook, knowing they are already motivated to support family and communities at home.
Common red flags
- Charity only accepts donations to a personal mobile-money account
- Organisation not registered with Zambia's Non-Governmental Organisations Coordination Council (NGOCC)
- Photographs used in appeals appear in unrelated news coverage
- No audited accounts or reports on fund use are available
- Appeal circulates exclusively through informal WhatsApp chains
How to protect yourself
- Verify any Zambian charity with the NGOCC before donating
- Donate through the charity's institutional bank account, not a personal mobile-money number
- Use Charity Navigator or similar platforms to verify international NGOs operating in Zambia
- Ask for registration numbers and independent evidence of operations before significant donations
How to report it
- Report to the Zambia Police Service with screenshots and account details
- Report impersonation of real NGOs to those organisations directly
- Report fake social media pages to the platform
Frequently asked questions
How can I safely support communities in Zambia from abroad?
Use established, verifiable NGOs registered with NGOCC or internationally recognised relief organisations. Direct remittances to trusted family members are reliable. If supporting a community initiative, ask a trusted in-country contact to verify the organisation's physical presence and registration before donating.