Instances of fraud involving Fitra and Zakat donations, integral to Islamic rituals during Ramadan, have surged with scammers exploiting mobile banking platforms, reveals a report by the fact-checking organization "Rumor Scanner."

The report underscores how fraudsters capitalize on mobile banking channels, leveraging religious sentiments to deceive individuals seeking to fulfill their charitable obligations.

A case in point is Jannat Bani, who received a text message on April 9 soliciting Fitra or Zakat contributions purportedly from a distressed family member. Believing the message to be genuine, Bani sent money to the provided number, only to realize later that it was a scam.

Investigations reveal a pattern of similar fraudulent messages sent to multiple individuals since 2021, targeting victims through emotional appeals for financial assistance.

Despite the relatively small amounts involved, victims often refrain from reporting the fraud to law enforcement agencies. Md Rezaul Masud, Deputy Inspector General of the Criminal Investigative Department’s Cyber Police Centre, attributes this to a lack of awareness and the perception that the sums lost are insignificant.

Masud emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and due diligence, urging individuals to verify the authenticity of donation requests and understand the destination of their contributions before making transactions. He stresses that personal familiarity with the recipient and thorough knowledge of the intended purpose of the donation are essential safeguards against falling victim to such scams.