05/09/2025
Protecting Hope:
Standing Against Fraud in Times of Crisis
Ritah Nabukalu and I are working to turn our website into a registered charity to Create Safe Bridges Between Donors and Those in Need
In moments of crisis, when tragedy strikes and communities are left vulnerable, the human response is often immediate compassion. We want to help. We want to give. We want to stand with those who are suffering. Sadly, it is in these very moments that scammers rise, exploiting goodwill for selfish gain.
This is why sensitisation is so important. The more people are aware of fraudulent practices, the more effectively we can close the door to exploitation and ensure help reaches those who truly need it.
How Scammers Operate in Times of Disaster
Scammers often prey on emotions. They may:
• Pretend to be victims of fires, floods, or accidents, using convincing stories and pictures.
• Create a sense of urgency to pressure donors to make quick money transfers without proper documentation.
• Use fake organisations or impersonate trusted charities to funnel funds away from real victims.
I (Nicola) recently shared on my pwrsinal page how, during the recent Tassia fire tragedy in Nairobi, a woman reached out to me with two fire photos claiming these were of her home.
I actually did quite a lot of checking and was leaning towards believing her story and helping her. However I told her I still wanted a driver friend of mine to visit her, see her home, and confirm her story. It was only minutes later that my friend sent me a copy of their chat in Kiswahili in which she admitted to him her home was not affected and asked him to confirm her story. She promised to divide whatever money I sent 50:50 if he would do so!
Such actions not only rob the true victims of support but also erode trust in humanitarian giving.
Why Awareness Matters
Fraud in charity is not just about money. It undermines the very foundation of trust and compassion. When donors feel uncertain about whether their help is genuine, generosity shrinks and communities suffer even more.
Sensitisation helps donors to:
• Give confidently through trusted organisations.
• Learn the signs of scams and protect themselves.
• Preserve the spirit of generosity without fear.
Building a Safe Bridge:
Ritah Nabukalu and I are attempting to build Live in Love into a safe bridge between donors and vulnerable people. Our work involves:
• Researching and verifying those who claim to need help.
• Partnering with reputable NGOs.
• Linking those who need help with an NGO, the NGO with a donor, and the donor in friendship (but not direct financial giving) with the person in need.
When transparency, accountability, and community vigilance come together, compassion flows freely and safely.
In the meantime the maxim "Trust and Verify" holds true. Do not, ever, think you know someone well enough to send money internationally trusting in their word alone. Where money is concerned, you do not know you can trust someone until you have proof.
Until then, give only through official channels like Red Cross, TearFund, World Vision, Christian World Service.
• Spread awareness. Share updates and warn others against scams.
• Support sensitisation. Encourage open conversations about fraud so that others do not fall victim.
What Ritah and I are trying to build for others, we are already testing out ourselves. My dream of safe friendship and love flowing with online friendships may prove impossible. I've been working in this space now for three years and I can still be fooled by a scammer. Even checking over conversations with each other Ritah and I still sometimes feel someone is probably telling the truth only to find they are just a more skillful liar. I cannot say too strongly how difficult it is to tell whether or not a need is real.
Every crisis is an invitation not only to give, but also to give wisely. Together, we can protect hope from exploitation. Together, we can ensure generosity becomes healing in the lives of those who are hurting.
Stay safe. Stay generous. Stay informed.
