It has come to the attention of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) that some individuals are fraudulently posing as staff members to deceive people and solicit money. These scams can occur in various forms, from email solicitations and social media appeals to in-person collections and even fake job offers. It’s crucial to be aware of these deceptive tactics to ensure your generosity truly reaches those in need and doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
MSF has received reports detailing numerous scam attempts where individuals misrepresent themselves to exploit the goodwill associated with the organization. These scams are designed to manipulate caring individuals into making donations to fraudulent causes, rather than supporting MSF’s vital medical humanitarian work. Recognizing these scams is the first step in protecting yourself and ensuring your donations make a real impact.
Common Scam Tactics to Watch Out For
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods, making it essential to stay informed about the different types of scams associated with Doctors Without Borders Donations. Here are some common tactics that have been reported:
- Fake Public Collections: Individuals may falsely claim to be collecting donations for MSF in public places. These individuals might carry fake collection boxes or wear clothing that resembles MSF branding to appear legitimate.
- Phishing Emails Requesting “Reimbursements”: Fraudulent emails are sent requesting reimbursement for supposed past donations. These emails often attempt to appear credible by mentioning names of actual MSF staff or senior management. They may pressure recipients to send money to rectify a fictitious issue.
- Requests for Medical Procedure Funds: Scammers fabricate stories about patients needing urgent medical procedures and solicit donations to cover these costs. These stories are designed to evoke empathy and prompt immediate financial assistance for non-existent individuals.
- Detention and “Release” Money Scams: Individuals posing as MSF staff claim to be detained while returning from a mission and urgently need funds to secure their release. They pressure potential victims to quickly transfer money to help them get home.
- Social Media and Dating App Scams: Scammers create fake profiles on social networking sites or dating apps, impersonating MSF staff. They build relationships with unsuspecting individuals and then request money for travel expenses to return from a “field mission”.
- Fake Job Offers Requiring Fees: Fraudulent individuals posing as MSF human resources or recruitment staff may contact job seekers. They offer fake positions with MSF and then demand application fees, processing fees, or other payments as part of the fake recruitment process.
How to Verify Legitimate Doctors Without Borders Donations and Avoid Scams
Protecting yourself from these scams and ensuring your donations reach Doctors Without Borders requires vigilance and verification. Here are key steps to take:
- Donate Directly Through Official Channels: The safest way to donate is directly through the official Doctors Without Borders website. Look for the official website of your country’s MSF section (e.g., doctorswithoutborders.org, doctorswithoutborders.ca, medecins sans frontieres.fr). Ensure the website URL is correct and secure (starts with “https://”).
- Be Wary of Unsolicited Requests: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, social media messages, or in-person requests for donations, especially if they create a sense of urgency or pressure you to donate immediately.
- Never Send Money for Fees Related to Job Applications: MSF never charges fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Any request for payment for application, interview, processing, or training is a scam.
- Verify In-Person Collectors: If someone approaches you in person claiming to collect for MSF, ask for identification and details about the fundraising campaign. You can always verify the legitimacy of a campaign by contacting your local MSF office directly.
- Contact MSF Directly if Unsure: If you are uncertain about the legitimacy of a request or encounter a suspicious situation involving someone claiming to be from MSF, contact your local or nearest MSF office immediately to verify. You can find contact information on the official MSF website.
Doctors Without Borders’ Internal Policies Protect Staff and Donations
Doctors Without Borders has clear internal policies to support their staff and manage finances, eliminating the need for staff to solicit personal donations:
- Staff Support in Emergencies: MSF instructs all staff to contact their home MSF office if they encounter any difficulties, such as losing a passport or visa issues. MSF provides comprehensive support to ensure their staff can return home safely.
- Emergency Funds for Field Staff: MSF field staff have access to funds in emergency situations and do not need to request financial support from the public for personal or patient needs.
- No Recruitment Fees Ever: MSF reiterates that they do not charge any fees during the recruitment process.
Unfortunately, despite these measures, scams can still occur. By staying informed, being vigilant, and donating through official channels, you can protect yourself from fraud and ensure your generous doctors without borders donation truly supports MSF’s life-saving work around the world. If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, report it to your local consumer protection agency or fraud reporting office in addition to contacting MSF.
