Ukraine war sparks horrific online donation scams! Don't do this, you will lose

After Russia invaded Ukraine, many websites have been asking for online donations from everyone to lend a helping hand to the refugees. In a shocking development, it has been revealed that scammers are taking advantage and scamming donors of their money. Here is how to avoid online donation scams.

From dodgy websites, fake social media accounts to dubious emails and texts - these online scammers are using all tactics to steal money from bank accounts of donors who want to give money to refugees in Ukraine. (AFP)

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1/7 From dodgy websites, fake social media accounts to dubious emails and texts - these online scammers are using all tactics to steal money from bank accounts of donors who want to give money to refugees in Ukraine. (AFP)

The Ukrainian Red Cross has identified several fake pages on Instagram, cloning those of the real NGOs and charity organisations. (Pixabay)

2/7 The Ukrainian Red Cross has identified several fake pages on Instagram, cloning those of the real NGOs and charity organisations. (Pixabay)

The experts of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have alerted the donors to be more cautious while donating money to any individual or organisations. (AFP)

3/7 The experts of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have alerted the donors to be more cautious while donating money to any individual or organisations. (AFP)

Donors have to be more vigilant while making their donations directly from their debit cards, which are directly linked to bank accounts. This is a vulnerable payment method that can empty the donor's bank account. Credit card is a better option. (Unsplash)

4/7 Donors have to be more vigilant while making their donations directly from their debit cards, which are directly linked to bank accounts. This is a vulnerable payment method that can empty the donor's bank account. Credit card is a better option. (Unsplash)

Beware of any mail which seems to be suspicious. Verify its authenticity. If you have any doubt then you should immediately report to NCSC or forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. (Pixabay)

5/7 Beware of any mail which seems to be suspicious. Verify its authenticity. If you have any doubt then you should immediately report to NCSC or forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. (Pixabay)

If you find any dubious text messages on social media accounts asking for money for Ukrainians then ignore or delete them. (Pixabay)

6/7 If you find any dubious text messages on social media accounts asking for money for Ukrainians then ignore or delete them. (Pixabay)

Before making a donation, verify the background of the charity in as many ways as you can. Also, try and pick charities that are reputable. However, under no circumstance should you let online scams stop you from donating. The refugees need help and the same can be done in a safe manner by being just that extra bit careful. (AFP)

7/7 Before making a donation, verify the background of the charity in as many ways as you can. Also, try and pick charities that are reputable. However, under no circumstance should you let online scams stop you from donating. The refugees need help and the same can be done in a safe manner by being just that extra bit careful. (AFP)