In Srinagar, on an ordinary day in 2026, a man received a WhatsApp message from a stranger. The message was simple but urgent: a person was in a medical emergency. The donation was desperately needed. Within minutes, through a series of carefully constructed deceptions involving fake payment screenshots and proxy transfers, the man lost money to a scammer who never intended to help anyone. He was one of millions. This is not an isolated incident. Ground research conducted across the Kashmir Valley reveals a systematic and sophisticated fraud ecosystem that exploits the region’s deep cultural commitment to charity. Of the respondents surveyed, 42.4% reported losing money through online donation platforms. Yet 84.8% of those interviewed believe very few victims actually report these crimes. The gap between the scale of fraud and formal reporting is staggering and it is by design.
The Kashmir Valley has become a testing ground for a new kind of cybercrime: one that weaponizes human compassion. Unlike traditional theft, donation fraud is silent and deeply stigmatized. Victims remain invisible, their losses absorbed in shame and frustration.
Research findings paint a sobering picture:
• 93.9% of respondents perceive online donation fraud as “very common” in Kashmir
• 70% of people actively donate money online, making them potential targets
• 59.4% of fake donation requests target vulnerable donors with medical emergency claims
• 66.7% of respondents cite “fear of fraud” as the biggest challenge in online giving
• 37% of potential victims do not report fraud because they do not know where to report it
These are not numbers in a vacuum. Each statistic represents a rupee lost, trust broken, and a donor’s faith in digital philanthropy shaken. For a region where charity is bound to Islamic principles of Zakat and Sadaqah spiritual obligations that carry deep moral weight the weaponization of these values through online fraud represents a particular kind of violation.
During field visits to religious sites in Anantnag places where pilgrims gather with inherent trust in community researchers discovered a systematic distribution mechanism for donation fraud: fake Android applications. These malicious APK (Android Package Kit) files are not found on legitimate app stores like Google Play. Instead, they are distributed through messaging platforms like WhatsApp, with links embedded in seemingly trustworthy contexts. When installed, they serve a single purpose: generating fake payment confirmation screens that scammers then screenshot and share as proof of transaction. Most people, when receiving a payment screenshot, assume it is genuine. Few verify the actual bank balance or check official transaction records. This gap between visual proof and actual verification is where fraud thrives.
Fieldwork in Anantnag revealed that digitally active and literate individuals can be more vulnerable to online donation fraud because their familiarity with digital platforms often leads to greater trust in online transactions. In contrast, less digitally literate individuals tend to avoid such transactions, reducing their exposure to fraud despite having lower technological knowledge.
The research reveals that 54.5% of respondents fall victim to online donation scams because of emotions specifically, sympathy, kindness, mercy, compassion, and the motivational appeal of charitable causes. In contrast, 45.5% cited lack of awareness about identifying fraudulent requests as the primary vulnerability factor. Notably, these are not mutually exclusive. The scammer activates both pathways simultaneously: emotional appeal (the medical emergency) combined with technical deception (the fake payment screenshot). Online donation scams exploit several psychological mechanisms, including emotional manipulation through fake emergencies, false social proof via fabricated donor screenshots, urgency that discourages careful thinking, reciprocity that creates a sense of obligation, and trust displacement by operating on familiar platforms like WhatsApp. Together, these tactics increase the likelihood that victims will act without verification.
Perhaps the most damaging aspect of online donation fraud in Kashmir is not the fraud itself, but the silence that follows.
Research findings on why victims do not report fraud are striking:
• 37% do not report because they are unaware of where or how to report
• 30.9% avoid reporting due to lengthy and complicated legal procedures
• 12.1% cite reputational fear the shame of having been deceived
• 12.1% believe the fraud was “not serious enough” to report
• 7.9% do not report due to the small financial amount lost
The first two categories lack of awareness about reporting mechanisms and fear of bureaucratic complexity are systemic failures. These are not failures of victims; they are failures of institutions.
When 37% of victims do not know where to report a cybercrime, it reveals that law enforcement outreach has not reached the communities most affected by it. When 63.3% of respondents are unaware of the National Cyber Crime Number, it indicates that awareness campaigns have failed to penetrate public consciousness.
Online donation fraud is a global phenomenon, but it takes specific forms in Kashmir. Understanding these forms requires understanding the region’s particular context. Kashmir Valley has experienced decades of conflict and economic uncertainty. In this context, community support and charity have taken on heightened importance. NGOs operate to fill gaps that formal institutions cannot. Religious institutions provide social safety nets. Digital platforms have made it easier to mobilize aid across distances. Simultaneously, digital payment adoption in Kashmir has been rapid. UPI penetration has grown significantly. WhatsApp is ubiquitous. This combination high reliance on charity combined with rapid digital adoption creates a perfect environment for donation-based fraud. Scammers understand this context intimately. They know that Kashmiri donors are responsive to appeals involving medical emergencies, religious causes (Zakat, Sadaqah), and disaster relief. They know that trust in community is high. They weaponize this trust. The fact that 23.6% of fake donation requests impersonate NGOs or charities (compared to 59.4% claiming medical emergencies) suggests that scammers are not merely random criminals. They are conducting reconnaissance on the types of causes that trigger response in Kashmir specifically. They are targeting local vulnerabilities.
Despite 93.9% of respondents perceiving donation fraud as “very common” in Kashmir, law enforcement responses remain limited. This is not because police lack capability, but because systems are overwhelmed and under resourced. The Cyber Police have documented cases of donation fraud, but the volume of unreported incidents means that visible caseloads represent only a fraction of actual incidents. Without comprehensive reporting, authorities cannot accurately assess the scope of the problem, allocate resources appropriately, or develop targeted prevention strategies. Additionally, victim recovery is low. Even when cases are reported and investigated, the money is often already moved through multiple accounts. Prosecution is complicated by jurisdictional issues (scammers may operate across state lines or internationally) and by the technical complexity of digital crime investigation.
Based on 15 years of ground analysis of cybercrime and charitable behaviour in South Asian contexts, combined with the specific findings from this Kashmir Valley fieldwork, the following recommendations are offered:
FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT: Establish a Kashmir-specific Cyber Crime Reporting Portal A simple, accessible online system dedicated to donation fraud reports would remove the barrier of not knowing where to report. The system should provide immediate guidance, not require extensive documentation upfront, and provide victims with case numbers and expected timelines.
Public Awareness Campaign on Cyber Crime Reporting Given that 63.3% of respondents do not know the National Cyber Crime Number, a sustained public awareness campaign is essential. This should use local languages, religious institutions, and trusted community networks.
Fast-Track Investigation Protocol for Small-Value Cases Many victims do not report because the amount lost is “too small” to justify the effort. Creating a streamlined investigation path for aggregated small cases could increase reporting and provide data on overall patterns.
FOR DIGITAL PLATFORMS: Mandatory Verification Badges for Legitimate NGOs WhatsApp, Google Pay, and other payment platforms should work with authorities to create verified badges for legitimate charitable organizations. This would provide visual authentication that users can immediately recognize.
Real-Time Fraud Detection Alerts Platforms should implement systems that flag suspicious patterns (e.g., multiple accounts making identical charity appeals, QR codes from accounts with no transaction history) and alert users.
FOR THE COMMUNITY: Donation Verification Workshops at Religious Institutions Mosques, temples, and community centers should host workshops on verifying donation authenticity, using actual examples and interactive demonstrations.
Peer Education Programs Digital-savvy young people should be trained as “fraud ambassadors” in their communities, educating family and neighbors on safe donation practices.
FOR THE RESEARCH AND POLICY COMMUNITY: Establish a Kashmir-Specific Cybercrime Research Center Ongoing research is essential to track evolving fraud techniques and inform prevention strategies. A dedicated research unit at universities could monitor trends and publish regular threat assessments.
Integrate Cybercrime into Public Administration Curriculum As this research was conducted by Public Administration students, there is an opportunity to formalize cybercrime education within PA programs across Kashmir, creating a pipeline of future professionals equipped to address these issues.
Kashmir’s strong tradition of charity is being threatened by a growing ecosystem of online donation fraud that exploits compassion and trust. While digital platforms can expand charitable giving, addressing this challenge requires more than individual vigilance. Stronger reporting mechanisms, platform safeguards, public awareness, and effective law enforcement are essential. The problem is significant: 42.4% of donors reported experiencing fraud, while 84.8% believe such incidents go largely unreported. Breaking this culture of silence is crucial to restoring trust in digital philanthropy. By sharing their experiences, victims can help expose fraud and support collective action against it. The issue is no longer hidden it is simply being ignored, and urgent action is needed to address it.
Public Opinion on Whether Victims Report Online Donation Fraud
This report analysis shows public opinion on whether victims report online donation fraud
KEY FINDINGS:
84.8% of respondents believe that very few victims report online donation fraud, indicating a significant gap between experiencing such scams and formally reporting them. 12.1% of respondents believe that no victims report these incidents, reflecting a perception of near-total silence in reporting. Only 3.0% of respondents feel that most victims report online donation fraud, showing that very few people perceive reporting to be common.
INTERPRETATION: The data suggests a widespread perception of underreporting of online donation fraud among victims. This may be due to factors such as lack of awareness about reporting mechanisms, fear of social embarrassment, uncertainty about legal procedures, or the belief that reporting may not lead to recovery of losses. The findings highlight the need to promote greater awareness about cybercrime reporting channels, encourage victims to come forward, and strengthen public confidence in the authorities responsible for addressing online fraud.
People Who Donate Money Online
This report analysis shows the proportion of people who donate money online.
KEY FINDINGS:
70% of respondents donate money online, indicating that the majority of people are willing to contribute through digital platforms, 30% of respondents do not donate money online, suggesting that a notable portion of people still avoid online donations.
INTERPRETATION: The pie chart shows that the majority of people donate money through online platforms, whereas a smaller section of people do not participate in online donations.
The reasons for not donating online may include concerns regarding trust, security, fear of fraud, lack of awareness, or personal preferences. Enhancing trust, security, and awareness can encourage more people to contribute confidently through online donation platforms.
Types of fake donation requests received
This report analysis shows types of fake donation requests received
KEY FINDINGS
Medical emergency scams are the most frequently received fake donation requests, Fake NGO or charity requests are the second most common type of fake donation request, Religious cause-related fake donation requests are the least reported among the categories.
INTERPRETATION: The bar graph shows that medical emergency requests are the most common type of fake donation request received by people. Fake NGO or charity requests are also frequently encountered, while religious cause-related requests are comparatively less common.
Reasons People Fall for Online Donation Scams
This report analysis shows the key reasons that make individuals vulnerable to online donation scams.
KEY FINDINGS:
54.5% of respondents fall for online donation scams due to emotions, sympathy, kindness, mercy, compassion, and the motivational appeal of NGOs. These emotional factors are the leading reasons that make people vulnerable to fraudulent donation requests.
45.5% of respondents fall victim to such scams because of lack of awareness. Limited knowledge about identifying fake donation requests and verifying campaigns contributes significantly to the risk of being deceived.
INTERPRETATION: The data suggests that scammers often take advantage of people’s emotional nature, compassion, and the inspiring messages or appeals associated with NGOs and charitable causes. At the same time, limited awareness about identifying fake donation requests increases the risk of being deceived.
Therefore, strengthening digital awareness and encouraging proper verification of donation campaigns can help prevent online donation scams.
Biggest Challenges People Face While Donating Online
- Fear of fraud 66.7%
- Lack of info about genuine NGOs 19.4%
- Don’t trust online payments 13.3%
Do People Check Whether an NGO or Person is Genuine Before Making a Donation
This report analysis that do People Check Whether an NGO or Person is Genuine Before Making a Donation
Key Insights:
- Most respondents verify the authenticity of an NGO or person before donating.
- A considerable number of respondents do not verify authenticity before making a donation.
- Some respondents check authenticity only occasionally.
INTERPRETATION: The above pie chart represents the responses of people regarding whether they check the authenticity of an NGO or person before making a donation. It is observed that 54.5% of respondents check the authenticity of an NGO or person before donating, 36.4% of respondents do not check the authenticity of an NGO or person before donating, while 9.1% of respondents sometimes check the authenticity of an NGO or person before making a donation.
How Many People Know National Cyber Security Number
This report analysis shows people who know National Cyber Crime Number.
KEY FINDINGS:
- 63.3% of people do not know about the National Cyber Crime Number, indicating a low level of awareness among the majority.
- 26% of people are aware of the National Cyber Crime Number.
- 10.3% of people have heard about the National Cyber Crime Number but are not sure about its details.
INTERPRETATION: The pie chart shows the awareness of people about the National Cyber Crime Number. A majority of respondents do not know about the number, indicating a significant lack of awareness. A smaller proportion of people are aware of it, while a few have heard about it but are not sure about the details.
Reasons People Do Not Report Online Donation Fraud in Kashmir
This report analysis shows the major reasons why people do not report cases of online donation fraud in Kashmir.
KEY FINDINGS:
- 37% of respondents do not report online donation fraud because they are unaware of where to report such incidents, making it the most significant barrier to reporting.
- 30.9% of respondents avoid reporting due to lengthy legal procedures, indicating that complicated and time-consuming processes discourage victims from taking legal action.
- 12.1% of respondents cite reputational fear, while another 12.1% believe the fraud was not serious enough to report.
The least common reason for not reporting is low financial loss (7.9%), suggesting that some victims feel the amount lost does not justify filing a complaint
INTERPRETATION: The findings reveal that a lack of awareness about reporting channels and concerns regarding lengthy legal procedures are the major obstacles preventing people from reporting online donation fraud in Kashmir. These results emphasize the need for stronger public awareness initiatives, simplified complaint mechanisms, and accessible reporting systems. Enhancing public knowledge and reducing procedural difficulties can encourage more victims to report such incidents and contribute to more effective prevention of cyber-related financial crimes.
People Who Lost Their Money Through Online Donation
This report analysis shows people losing money through online donations.
KEY FINDINGS:
- Majority Safe Outcome: The majority of individuals completed their online donations without experiencing any financial loss, representing 57.6% of the group.
- Substantial Incidence of Loss: A significant segment of individuals
- Reported losing money through the donation process, accounting for 42.4% of the total.
INTERPRETATION: A 42.4% loss rate indicates an exceptionally high exposure to financial risk within online donation channels. This critical vulnerability, likely driven by fraudulent campaigns or insecure platforms, severely undermines donor confidence. To safeguard digital philanthropy and maintain donor trust, organizations must urgently deploy rigorous platform vetting protocols and enhanced transaction security measures.
Perception of Online Donation Fraud Prevalence in Kashmir
This report analysis shows public perception regarding the prevalence of online donation fraud in Kashmir.
KEY FINDINGS
- 93.9% of respondents perceive online donation fraud as a very common issue in Kashmir, indicating a strong belief that such fraudulent activities are widespread.
- 6.1% of respondents consider online donation fraud to be somewhat common, reflecting a smaller segment that views the issue as moderately prevalent.
- Overall, the results highlight a high level of public perception regarding the widespread occurrence of online donation fraud in Kashmir.
INTERPRETATION: The data suggests a high level of public concern and awareness about the prevalence of online donation fraud in Kashmir. The overwhelming perception that these scams are very common may be influenced by increasing exposure to fraudulent donation requests, social media scams, and reported cases of online deception. This highlights the importance of strengthening digital literacy,
Note: This research was conducted by a group of students from Amar Singh College, Srinagar, working under Team Neuro Nine
RESEARCH TEAM: Muntaha Khan, Rutba Bilal, Reeva Chawla, Zainab Nisar, Rutbah Showkat, Sajid Ali Khan, Sarwar Shafi, Unzil Gulzar Sofal, Shahzad Sultan
