Question 1

What is the "Fake Wartime Charity Online Solicitation" scam in Kyiv?

Accepted Answer

Fraudulent websites and social media accounts impersonate legitimate Ukrainian military or humanitarian charities to collect donations from international visitors and remote donors. These sites use authentic-looking logos, Ukrainian government imagery, and emotional wartime content to solicit cryptocurrency or bank transfers. Many surface specifically during periods of high international news coverage of the conflict. Funds go directly to scammers rather than any genuine relief effort. Donate only through verified organizations listed on the Ukrainian government's official aid portals or internationally recognized charities such as UNICEF and the Red Cross. Verify that any charity has a registered organization number before transferring funds. Treat unsolicited donation requests on social media with high skepticism.

Question 2

What is the "Short-Term Rental Platform Advance Fee Fraud" scam in Kyiv?

Accepted Answer

Fraudulent listings on international booking platforms and local classifieds advertise apartments near Maidan Nezalezhnosti and the Podil district at unusually low prices. After initial contact the host requests a large advance payment via bank transfer or crypto outside the platform to "hold" the apartment. Once paid, the host becomes unreachable or claims the property is unavailable. This pattern was documented heavily before 2022 and remains a risk for the smaller number of foreign visitors and aid workers currently in the city. Only book through major platforms that hold payment in escrow until check-in. Never transfer money directly to a landlord before physically viewing the property. Verify that the host has substantial verified reviews before booking.

Online Scams in Kyiv

Fake Wartime Charity Online Solicitation

Short-Term Rental Platform Advance Fee Fraud

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