Charity Disaster QR Code Street Poster Scam Examples
Physical posters or flyers in public places display a QR code claiming to collect donations for a disaster or humanitarian cause, but the code leads to an attacker-controlled payment page with no affiliation to any real charity.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
[Poster] Emergency appeal — donate to help [disaster] victims now. Scan the QR code below to give securely. Every pound helps. [QR code linking to fake payment page]
[Flyer] Disaster Relief Fund — your donation goes directly to families in need. Scan & give: [QR code]. No minimum — even [amount] makes a difference.
[Street sign attachment] Urgent: [disaster area] earthquake appeal. Scan the QR to donate via card. Cash donations also accepted at this address: [address].
What the scammer wants
To intercept charitable donations intended for real victims by placing fraudulent QR codes in high-footfall public locations or on social media alongside genuine crisis imagery.
Red flags in the message
- A QR code on an unofficial-looking poster with no registered charity number
- No charity name or registration number that can be verified with the national regulator
- Payment page that does not match a known charity's official domain
- Requests for card details rather than redirecting to a regulated giving platform
- Unusual donation locations such as addresses or personal bank accounts
A safe response
Donate only via the official website of a registered charity you search for yourself. Verify charity registration numbers with the Charity Commission (UK) or IRS (US) before giving.
What not to send
- Card details to any payment page reached via a public QR code
- Cash to addresses listed on street posters
- Personal information alongside a donation
What to do if you already replied
- Contact your bank to dispute the payment and request a refund if the charity is unregistered
- Report the fraudulent poster to local authorities and the national charity regulator
- Donate directly to a verified charity using details from its official website
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