Malik Sajid
Srinagar 02 April (KNB): With the whole world in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic, officials are warning of possible scams to bilk money out of innocent people.
Several philanthropists have warned people to beware of scammers pretending to be health officials or offering to pick up food and medicines.
“From Charity seeking posts on social networking sites including, Facebook and Twitter, to malicious calls seeking donation, there are many common cons you should watch out amid the public health crisis caused by Covid19,” a Srinagar based development practitioner said.
“We are currently experiencing an unprecedented global event. The outbreak of COVID-19 – now officially a pandemic – has posed threat to many vulnerable groups like Daily wagers and poor people overall of our society and they’re currently in dire need of our support to fulfil their daily needs.
Fraudsters, too, have taken notice of the gravity of this situation and have already launched fraudulent campaigns seeking donations in the name of the needy people,” he added.
Kashmir News Bureau has received many calls from several areas of the Kashmir region from last couple of days various—from various sections of the society regarding many donation seeking organizations asking for charity through social media posts and also by calling people personally.
However, the KNB is in the process of ascertaining the veracity of these allegations by the callers.
With informal campaigns popping up everywhere from Facebook and other social media platforms, several social organizations have requested people to donate only through proper channels i.e make donations only to those organisations/NGO’s which are registered under Government.
In case of any pressure tactics, anything that looks fishy, please inform the competent authorities. “Your money can be of great value, don’t give it away to scammers, instead pump the charity through proper channels where it can directly reach the needy and hence the purpose of your charity will be fulfilled,” an official advised people.
Pertinently, earlier, the fraudsters were also seen selling counterfeit face masks and hand sanitisers. Hand sanitiser containing an ingredient banned for human use was also seized by the administration in central Kashmir’s district Ganderbal. (KNB)
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