Ramadan is a deeply sacred month for Muslims, marked by fasting, spiritual reflection, and acts of kindness. Unfortunately, much like other religious and cultural celebrations—such as Christmas or Diwali—scammers are well aware of these periods and deploy social engineering tactics to exploit generosity and goodwill.
As a result, those engaging in noble acts of charity or simply showing kindness to others often become targets for malicious individuals seeking to take advantage of their generosity. Fraudulent donation requests, phishing scams, and fake religious content are just a few of the deceptive tactics scammers use during these times.
Given the importance of charity during Ramadan and the increase in online activity for donations, shopping, and religious resources, it’s essential to remain vigilant. Below are key cyber security considerations and tips to help you stay protected while observing the holy month, ensuring your charitable giving and online activities are safe and secure.
Why Are Muslims More Vulnerable to Cyber Scams During Ramadan?
Increased Online Donations
During Ramadan, Muslims often make charitable donations, including Zakat, which increases the likelihood of encountering fraudulent websites or scam messages disguised as charitable causes. To safeguard your donations, always check the charity's name and registration number on the Charity Register, as most charities with an annual income of £5,000 or more must be officially registered. Be cautious of herd behaviour—just because others are donating to a particular cause doesn’t guarantee its legitimacy.
Heightened Emotional Vulnerability
The spiritual significance of Ramadan and the focus on charity may make individuals more emotionally susceptible to manipulative tactics from scammers, especially when making donations. This vulnerability can be intensified by optimism bias, where individuals believe they are less likely to fall victim to scams than others.
Phishing and Fake Charity Requests
Scammers exploit the desire to perform acts of charity, such as Zakat, by sending fake donation requests via email, text, or social media, often impersonating well-known organisations or religious leaders. Be sure to look out for the Fundraising Badge, a logo that says "registered with Fundraising Regulator," and verify the organisation's presence in the Fundraising Regulator's Directory, which lists entities committed to the Code of Fundraising Practice.
Rise in E-commerce Transactions
The increased shopping for Ramadan and Eid celebrations can expose individuals to e-commerce scams, fake websites, and data breaches, especially when making purchases for charity or personal use.
Fake Religious Content
During Ramadan, scammers may target individuals with fake prayer schedules, Qur'an apps, or religious content that could be used to steal personal information or install malware.
9 Essential Cyber Security Tips to Stay Safe This Ramadan
1. Verify Charities
Always verify the legitimacy of online donation platforms or charity requests, particularly when donating Zakat. Use reputable and established organisations known for their Ramadan initiatives, and double-check their registration details.
2. Check URL and Domain Names
When donating or shopping online, ensure the website is secure (look for “https” in the URL) and verify the legitimacy of the domain name. Scammers may create similar-looking websites to trick you.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
For added security, enable 2FA on your online donation accounts, banking, and social media to prevent unauthorised access, especially during times of high activity like Ramadan.
4. Beware of Unsolicited Emails/Texts
Be cautious when receiving unsolicited donation requests or religious materials, especially those asking for contributions. Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.
5. Use Trusted Payment Methods
When making donations or other transactions, use secure payment methods such as credit cards or trusted services that offer fraud protection, instead of directly transferring funds.
6. Keep Software Updated
Ensure all devices, apps, operating systems, and antivirus programmes are updated regularly to safeguard against malware or security breaches, particularly when browsing or donating online.
7. Be Cautious on Social Media
Avoid sharing personal information on social media, especially in response to unsolicited messages that ask for donations or other private details related to Ramadan events.
8. Consult Community Leaders
If you're unsure about the legitimacy of a donation request or religious app, seek advice from a trusted imam or community leader to ensure that your charitable giving is safe and meaningful.
9. Report Suspicious Activities
If you encounter a suspicious donation request or website, report it to the relevant authorities or organisations to help protect others in your community from potential fraud.
Society is becoming increasingly multi-cultural, reflected in our schools and workplaces. Scammers are taking note of these societal changes and are increasingly leveraging social engineering tactics to target diverse communities by exploiting culturally specific triggers.
Book a 15-minute demo today, and we’ll demonstrate how Redflags® can help tailor your cyber security approach to these cultural nuances—protecting people from all backgrounds.