The government of Saudi Arabia is warning citizens to be wary of e-mail soliciting funds for charitable purposes. Not only are a majority of these simply scams designed to separate a fool from his money, but they also serve to cover more serious crimes like money laundering and funding terrorism.

Fraudulent charity e-mails on the rise
Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Fraudulent e-mails asking for money on behalf of charities have become even more convincing. Religion is often used as a compelling reason to elicit quick responses to these messages, especially when they are illegally linked to trusted scholars. Messages carrying the subject lines “Families needs” or “Saving a young man from execution” are initiated by con-artist rings.

They prey on the good faith of respondents in order to embezzle their money, Al-Madinah newspaper reported.

Government authorities have continually warned against responding to such messages and have urged the public to visit registered charities instead.

Scholars have also urged members of the public to be aware their names are being used illegally in such messages.
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