ALERT: Scam Asking for Fees in Exchange for Funds via WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, or Other Social Media Messages

We’ve recently learned of a scam where impersonators of GiveDirectly are contacting people through WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and other social media platforms, asking for application, activation, registration, or disbursement fees in exchange for funds they falsely claim are from GiveDirectly.

Key characteristics of the scam

Impersonation: Scammers use fake names that closely resemble GiveDirectly. Common examples include:

  • GIVEDIRECTLY or GIVE DIRECTLY
  • GIVEDIRECT FOUNDATION or GIVE DIRECT FOUNDATION
  • GiveDirectly Foundation Funds
  • GIVE DIRECT FOUNDATION AID PROGRAM
  • GIFT DIRECT EASTERN AFRICA FOUNDATION

Phone Numbers: The scammer’s phone number often originates from Kenya (+254) or the United States (+1).

Profile Picture: Scammer’s account profile picture is often or .

Scam Messages: These messages falsely claim that:

  • You qualify for a promotion or grant and are eligible to receive funds, often in your Safaricom MPesa account.
  • You need to pay an activation, registration, or disbursement fee to receive the funds.
  • They may also ask for personal information such as your name, age, country, and current job.

Important reminders

GiveDirectly will:

  • NEVER ask you to pay money or fees to receive funds or to register with us
  • NEVER inform you of your qualification via WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, or any other social media messages

If you’ve been contacted by a scammer

🚫 DO NOT send any money or share further information with the scammer.

✅ DO report the scammer’s profile:

  • For WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, click into the sender’s profile, scroll to the bottom, and select “Report.”

✅ DO email us at [email protected] to report the incident.