Fake Charity Disaster QR-Poster Appeal Scam Examples
Following a disaster, wildfire, flood, or humanitarian crisis, a social media post or a physical poster with a QR code appeals for urgent donations to help victims, sometimes using a name similar to a real, well-known charity. Scanning the code or clicking the link leads to a payment page controlled by the scammer, not the genuine organization, diverting money meant for people in need. Public urgency and goodwill after a crisis make people less likely to check where the code actually leads. Donate directly through a charity's official website that you navigate to yourself, rather than any QR code or social media link.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
URGENT: Donate now to support victims of [disaster]. Scan QR code. 100% of donations go directly to families on the ground.
Help the people of [region] today. Tap to donate via our secure payment portal: [fake link]. Every penny counts.
Emergency relief appeal for [crisis]. We're a registered charity providing food and shelter. QR code below.
Stand with [cause] — donate here [fake link]. Our volunteers are on the ground right now. Share widely.
What the scammer wants
To divert charitable donations to themselves by impersonating a real charity or creating a convincing fake one, exploiting public goodwill during a crisis.
Red flags in the message
- No registered charity number or verifiable address
- QR code or link that does not go to a known, verified charity website
- Pressure to donate immediately using urgency language
- Requests for wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards rather than normal card donation
- Social media account is brand new with few followers
A safe response
Before donating, verify the charity on an official register (e.g. Charity Commission in the UK or GuideStar in the US). Search the charity name directly rather than using the QR code or link provided.
What not to send
- Donations via unverified QR codes or links
- Wire transfers or cryptocurrency
- Gift card codes
What to do if you already replied
- Report the fake appeal to the relevant charity regulator
- Contact your bank if you made a card payment
- Share a warning with anyone you forwarded the appeal to
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times
Frequently asked questions
The QR code was on a physical poster in a public place — doesn't that make it more trustworthy?
No, physical posters with QR codes are easy for anyone to print and put up in public spaces, and a professional appearance doesn't confirm the code leads anywhere legitimate. Treat unsolicited QR codes the same way you would an unsolicited link, and verify the charity independently before donating.
I already donated through the link — can I get my money back?
Contact your bank or card issuer to ask about disputing the charge, particularly if you paid by card, since this may offer the best chance of recovery. Report the fake page and QR code to the platform where you found it and, if relevant, to a charity regulator.
How can I check if a charity appeal is genuine?
Search for the charity by name independently and go to their official website directly rather than through any link or code, and check if they're listed with a relevant charity regulator or watchdog. Genuine, established charities also don't typically rely solely on QR codes for urgent appeals.
Is it better to donate through a well-known platform instead of directly?
Donating through a well-established, verified fundraising platform or the charity's own official site is generally safer than scanning a QR code or clicking a social media link from an unfamiliar source. If in doubt, search for and confirm the charity's official donation page yourself.