Beware of Scams FAQ

How do I know if I am being scammed?

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Fraudsters ask for money, or other favours, including those of a sexual nature, in exchange for services, including resettlement, registration, financial assistance, UNHCR documents, or refugee claims . These offers may be made to you in person, by phone or via social media, including Facebook, YouTube, or WhatsApp. If any money or any other favour is asked for a UNHCR process, this is fraud.

Sometimes fraudsters pretend to represent UNHCR to gain your trust. They may show you information to persuade you that they are connected to UNHCR.

People who tell you such lies are seeking to take advantage of your situation. Avoid them and do not believe them. Those persons are only after your money. Be alert and don’t get cheated.

Always remember that all services and assistance provided by UNHCR and its partners are free of charge.

How can I avoid being scammed?

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Do not share your personal data and documents, including passport, certificates, or documents you receive from UNHCR with anyone except UNHCR and its partners.

All services and assistance from UNHCR and its partners are free of charge. Do not trust anyone or any organization asking you to pay money for a UNHCR service.

Do not believe anyone who asks for money or any favour, including of a sexual nature, in exchange for UNHCR services, and report it to UNHCR immediately.

What happens if I commit fraud?

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Giving false information to UNHCR is fraud. You must always provide complete and truthful information to UNHCR.

If you fail to provide truthful information, including distorting or hiding facts with an aim to mislead UNHCR, you may face the following consequences:

  • You might not be eligible for protection, assistance or long-term solutions, including cash support or resettlement;
  • Any allegations of fraud will be recorded in your file;
  • Your case could be significantly delayed while the fraud is investigated, and it will be put on hold during this time;
  • Any fraud records on your file will be shared with resettlement countries; If it is suspected that you have committed crimes, this could be reported to the relevant authorities.

How do I report fraud?

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You can submit complaints about refugees or others committing fraud to the Refugee Malaysia online fraud and corruption complaints form here or by email to mlslufrd@unhcr.org.

If you wish to report misconduct by UNHCR staff, or staff of UNHCR partners or contractors, please report it immediately to UNHCR’s Inspector-General’s Office (IGO) at its headquarters by:

Email: inspector@unhcr.org
Online: IGO Online Complaint Form
Mail: UNHCR, 94 Rue de Montbrillant, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland

Click here to know more information on what will happen with every case reported to IGO.

When reporting fraud, it is important to provide as much information as possible. This includes details about who is suspected of committing fraud, when and where the alleged incident took place, how the potential fraud was identified, and what type of fraud it might be. Any supporting evidence, information regarding witnesses, or other details regarding the incident should also be included.

UNHCR takes all complaints seriously and follows up on each individually. Please note that all communication with UNHCR is kept confidential. Filing a complaint will not in any way impact your case with UNHCR. In your complaint, please provide all facts and evidence known to you. If you provide your contact details, we will follow up with you on your complaint.

Complaints may also be made anonymously.