The Center for Countering Disinformation said that the information about the alleged charity event of the UNICEF Foundation for Ukrainian Children was false
During the war, special attention is drawn to helping children, who have become the most vulnerable part of society. Support from the state, international organizations and charitable foundations is an important element of protecting childhood, which is destroyed by war. However, along with genuine efforts to help children, there are often fraudulent schemes that use their plight for their own benefit. Fake news that misleads society and undermines trust in genuine initiatives is especially dangerous.
One such example was misinformation about a charity event allegedly organized by the UNICEF Foundation for St. Nicholas Day for Ukrainian children. The Center for Combating Disinformation (CCP) promptly responded to this situation and refuted the widespread false information. About this are reported in CPD.
Fraudulent schemes in social networks
According to the Central Bureau of Investigation, a video began to spread on the TikTok social network, in which users were urged to go to a link and fill out a form to “get help.” The organizers of this action indicated that it was allegedly carried out by UNICEF, but the official page of the foundation on Facebook stated that such an initiative does not exist. As noted in the Center for Combating Disinformation, similar content is created for the purpose of fraud or to increase the audience of anonymous Telegram channels, links to which are added to the profile of such accounts.
The importance of fighting fakes
The modern information space, especially in times of war, becomes a battlefield not only for territories, but also for people’s minds. Disinformation is used not only by fraudsters, but also by the enemy to undermine trust in international organizations and charitable foundations. This creates additional challenges for those who really help people, and puts the most vulnerable – children – at risk.
The Disinformation Center emphasizes the need to verify any information related to charities, especially those shared via social media. Ukrainians are urged to use only official sources of information and to be vigilant so as not to become victims of fraudsters.
Visnovok
Hoaxes that manipulate the topic of child welfare are one of the most shameful forms of misinformation. They not only harm real initiatives, but also add pain to families who need support. In these conditions, it is especially important to be careful, trust only verified sources and promote the dissemination of truthful information. Children of war need real help, and society must join forces to ensure their protection and support.
