Fake donation scams after earthquake in the country

On August 20, 2026, official agencies warned of the actions of criminals trying to take advantage of the good faith of those seeking to help and the losses of families affected after a seismic emergency. The tremor that hit the country lasted almost two minutes and was followed by illicit activities, including fake fundraising campaigns.

Urgent call from municipal authorities

The Mayor's Office of Manizales issued an urgent call for victims, volunteers, and donors to stay alert against unscrupulous people collecting money, clothing, and supplies in the name of those affected. Fake subsidies, fraudulent censuses, and messages impersonating authorities make up the range of criminal activities detected so far.

Alerts from the police cyber center

The National Police Cyber Center warned of phishing methods and home invasion attempts with intent to commit theft. Authorities point out that a clear sign of fraud is requesting money to register a person as affected, manage a subsidy, or guarantee aid.

The danger of fake links and messages

Links with fake promises of financial aid directing users to dubious forms are circulating on messaging apps and social networks. The recommendation is not to access platforms through links received via chat or email, but to type the official web address directly into the browser.

How to protect financial and banking data

Under no circumstances should citizens provide passwords or banking keys, security or verification codes, card details, or financial information through calls, WhatsApp, or links. If they have shared keys or passwords, users must change them on the official website and report the incident to the National Police.

Official channels for donations and verification

For financial donations destined for the victims, the authorized channel is the Fondo Solidario de la Cámara de Comercio at Banco Davivienda, checking account number 05600855699751, key @8908010426. Independent campaigns for food or medicine require rigorous verification of the organizers, origin, supporting institution, and destination of resources before any delivery is made.

With information from El Colombiano.