Important–Ver. 10
Note: I will keep updating with more resources.
The primary reason I have written this is because I am concerned about the horrifyingly low digital literacy of (understandably panicked) people.
The other reason is because Tumblr is full of so many varieties of suspicious user that make and comment on posts, ping random users, and infiltrate DMs. I would say there is an entire ecosystem of dangerous activity, with the worst including crisis scams.
Note: More Important information is below.
Digital Literacy
Section A
https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnwasik/2023/11/01/israel-gaza-war-has-triggered-more-charity-scams-heres-4-ways-to-avoid-getting-swindled/
https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/sacramento/news/fbi-warning-charity-scams-may-exploit-public-generosity-during-israel--hamas-conflict
https://www.cbs17.com/news/cbs17-investigates/israel-gaza-charity-scam-warning/
https://www.charitywatch.org/charity-donating-articles/10-tips-for-giving-in-a-crisis
https://www.charitywatch.org/charity-donating-articles/5-tips-for-avoiding-charity-frauds-scams
Section B
Note: I have heard the BBB has been controversial, or flawed.
https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/8767-bbb-tips-10-steps-to-avoid-scams
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jaimecatmull/2025/06/18/dont-get-scammed-5-ways-to-outsmart-todays-most-costly-online-fraud/
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Scams
Further Reading: Human trafficking and scams.
– Uses a profile of exclusively feminine images, which are seemingly stolen, photo-edited, or AI-generated. Posts and comment history usually includes relationship or pornographic keywords.
Suspicious Accounts
Without listing names, I am also constantly messaged by and run into the following types of users. I must assume they are all scammers for my own safety and to avoid enrichening frauds.
Most of these accounts have unusually empty, stolen, or otherwise dubious profiles and posting history. The following may also apply...
– Excludes specifications (i.e., details) from a "positive" comment. Usually applies to art posts.
– Random accounts that post gift card or cryptocurrency giveaways.
– Promotes the purchase or sale of NFTs or cryptocurrency.
– Impersonates popular companies, and claims to be hiring workers.
Food for Thought: The IDF has affected access to food, water, medicine, and stable shelter. Crimes of genocide are being committed against the real Palestinians. I doubt the IDF, which targets journalists and humanitarian aid workers, would allow the people they are herding into increasingly small spaces to use electricity or seemingly stable wifi.
– Is in limitless numbers, uses stolen or AI-generated content, and claims to be in a type of crisis. Some claim to be from Gaza/Palestine, but never Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Haiti, or another nation whose crisis is currently an unpopular topic in the West.
My Top Recommendation
Remember, funding frauds could make them multiply. When scammers multiply, they divert even more funds from people in need. Everyone but the scammer loses.
Importantly, I must recommend at least one humanitarian aid organization, because due to the sensitivity of the matter, every serious person who exposes a crisis scam must suggest a real alternative.
The Red Cross.
Further Recommendations
Doctors Without Borders
Amnesty
Save The Children
Oxfam
Just Giving (Link from UNICEF UK)
American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA)
UNICEF UK
UNICEF USA
World Central Kitchen
Warnings
It is important to avoid, even as well-intentioned as you may be, starting your own fundraiser for a major cause. According to my information, it diverts much-needed funds from transparent, experienced, and efficient organizations. Heck, I've even heard that starting as such may be considered selfish.
Importantly, never ever have conversations with dubious accounts. Some accounts are professional scammers, or linked to massive operations of them, and might retaliate in some way. Report, block, and keep private things private.
Top Warning: Do not touch the "Gaza Humanitarian Organization" (GHF) organization with a ten-foot pole. It might even be worse than donating to random strangers on the internet. More here, but extreme warning!
Ask me anytime.
Content Control
How to ban scams from your feed.
How to supercharge banning scams from your feed.
