The Lebanese Red Cross warned of fraudulent operations carried out by individuals impersonating members of the Lebanese Red Cross. This warning came after reports were received that these people were offering help to people and communicating with them, then blackmailing them or stealing their money under various pretexts.
The Lebanese Red Cross indicated that fraudsters claim to be able to provide humanitarian services or aid in exchange for money, or resort to methods of intimidation and threats, exploiting the need of some citizens or their trust in the humanitarian institution.
The Lebanese Red Cross appealed to citizens to be careful and not be drawn into these scammers, stressing that all of its humanitarian services are provided free of charge and without any financial compensation, and are not carried out through intermediaries or unknown persons.
He also stressed the necessity of not dealing at all with anyone claiming to represent the Red Cross outside the official frameworks, calling on anyone who is exposed to a fraud attempt or falls victim to these acts to file an immediate complaint with the competent authorities, to protect rights and prevent the recurrence of these crimes.
These warnings come in the context of the increasing phenomenon of impersonating humanitarian and relief institutions in Lebanon during periods of economic and social crises. The Lebanese Red Cross and a number of well-known associations have previously issued similar warnings, after recording cases of exploitation of citizens through false promises to provide aid or medical and relief services.
The Lebanese Red Cross constantly confirms that any work or assistance takes place only through its official channels and well-known teams, and in coordination with the relevant authorities.
