Asalaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

We want to alert our community about a widespread scam targeting masajid across the country, including Dar-us-Salaam. Scammers are impersonating Islamic organizations and masajid, including masjid representatives, well-known community leaders and staff, to fraudulently request donations through WhatsApp and other messaging platforms.

Please be aware: these messages are NOT from Dar-us-Salaam.

If you receive such requests, do not respond or send any funds.

To protect your donations and our community, please remember the following:

• Dar-us-Salaam never solicits Zelle donations through a phone number or personal account. Our official Zelle donations are ONLY accepted through the email: [email protected].

• Be cautious, even if the sender appears to be someone you know. Always verify donation requests directly with us.

• Report any suspicious messages to us immediately.

All donations to Dar-us-Salaam are managed exclusively by our Donor Care Office, which ensures the highest standards of security and transparency. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us directly:

• Phone: 301-982-2061

• Email: [email protected]

This scam is not unique to Dar-us-Salaam; many Islamic organizations and masajid have been targeted. Scammers are exploiting trust and familiarity within communities, so it is critical to remain vigilant and verify any unsolicited donation requests.

Here are some practical tips:

1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages

• Ignore unknown numbers: Don't engage with calls, texts, or emails from unknown sources.
• Don't click on suspicious links: These could lead to phishing websites designed to steal your information.

2. Verify Requests for Personal Information

• Never share sensitive information: Banks or legitimate companies will not ask for personal or financial details via text or email.
• Contact institutions directly: If you receive a request, call the institution using a verified phone number to confirm its legitimacy.

3. Enable Security Features

• Use two-factor authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
• Enable biometric security: Use fingerprints or facial recognition for an additional security layer.

4. Install Trusted Apps Only

• Download from official stores: Use Google Play or Apple’s App Store.
• Check reviews and permissions: Ensure the app is legitimate and doesn’t request unnecessary access.

5. Be Wary of Urgency

• Scammers often create a sense of urgency: Messages about "limited-time offers" or "immediate action required" are common tactics.
• Take your time to verify: Pause and evaluate the situation before responding.

6. Monitor Your Financial Accounts

• Set up alerts: Receive notifications for transactions on your accounts.
• Review statements regularly: Look for unauthorized or suspicious activity.

7. Use Call and Text Blockers

8. Keep Your Software Updated

• Update your phone and apps regularly: Updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities.

9. Educate Yourself and Others

• Stay informed about common scams: Knowledge is a strong defense.
• Share tips with friends and family: Help others recognize and avoid scams.

10. Report Suspicious Activity

• Notify authorities or your financial institution: If you suspect a scam, report it to relevant entities.
• Use reporting tools: In some countries, you can report scams to national anti-fraud organizations.

Staying vigilant and taking proactive steps can help protect our community from these harmful scams!

Thank you for your attention and cooperation in keeping our community safe.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan

— Dar-us-Salaam

   

Dar-us-Salaam | 5301 Edgewood Rd | College Park, MD 20740 US