Charity Fraud Awareness Week (19-23 October) is being promoted by the Charity Commission and the Fraud Advisory Panel and others to “encourage and empower charities to talk about fraud and share best practice”.
Charity fundraising is now largely via online activity due to the impact of Covid-19 on traditional fundraising activities, this is heightening concerns around security and many staff still working remotely is an additional concern.
The three messages of the 2020 campaign are: be fraud aware, take time to check and keep your charity safe.
“Like all sectors, charities can be susceptible to fraud and cybercrime. Those providing vital services and support to local communities during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may be particularly vulnerable,” said the regulator.
“All charities, even those with relatively small reserves to call upon, can take simple steps to boost resilience to fraud and cybercrime. In times like these, prevention really is better than cure.”
Free resources have been made available via the Charity Fraud Awareness hub and charities are also encouraged to use social media and the #CharityFraudOut hashtag.