PUBLIC NOTICE — CHARITABLE FRAUD

Department of Finance Issues Charity Fraud Warning

The Department of Finance is aware of ongoing social media posts from individuals claiming to represent or operate charitable organisations while requesting financial donations from members of the community.

Recent examples include posts associated with the “Carter Osby Memorial Fund” and, more recently, the “Los Santos Relief Fund.” These organisations have reportedly been soliciting donations through Cash App.

The Department is aware of these reports and is taking steps to address fraudulent activity. However, the Department’s ability to take direct enforcement action may be limited where there is insufficient evidence or where the activity falls outside the Department’s legal authority. Residents are therefore urged to exercise caution when responding to charitable donation requests online.

VERIFY BEFORE YOU DONATE

Before making any donations, citizens are strongly encouraged to:

• Verify that the charity is properly registered through GovNet List of Registered Charities and confirm its legitimacy.
• Do not provide any financial information or make donations to organizations that cannot be independently verified.

Residents should also be cautious of donation requests that:

• Provide limited or unverifiable information
• Appear unusual or inconsistent with a legitimate charitable organisation
• Request payment through personal payment accounts or other informal methods
• Or pressuring you into making the payment immediately.

REPORT TO DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

If you encounter any suspicious charity activity or believe you may have encountered a fraudulent organization, please report it to the Department of Finance through 311 or GovNet Charity Report. Reports may also be made to the relevant local authority, including local law enforcement such as the Los Santos Police Department.

THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

The Department of Finance will continue working with relevant government departments, law enforcement, and members of the community to monitor reports of fraudulent activities, pursue available avenues of enforcement, and help protect residents from financial scams.