CAMPUS PROTECTION SAYS STUDENTS SHOULD ‘BEWARE OF ANYONE SEEKING PERSONAL OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION’
Near the University of Ottawa O-Train station, solicitors, often wrapped in keffiyehs, have for months been raising money for an organization called Voice of Palestine. Voice of Palestine is purportedly raising money for aid in Gaza, but some students question where the money is actually going.
The solicitors ask students to donate money to one of four streams, including food aid, medical supplies, helping orphans, or rebuilding, and students are prompted to donate through an Apple Square Reader. Students reported being asked to donate in incredibly high values, with the lowest dollar amount a student could select being 50 dollars. One student on r/geegees said that when they asked to donate five dollars, the solicitor typed in fifty anyway.
Reem El-Charfa, a fourth-year political science and communications student, and president of the Palestinian Student Association (PSA), said students should do their research before supporting any charities. PSA works with Islamic Relief Canada, UNRWA, and PCRF, to ensure the money they raise from students is used effectively and actually reaches the people affected. PSA encourages those who want to support Palestine to donate through these organizations or other reputable sources.
Protection Services confirmed to the Fulcrum, that they have acted on two recent unauthorized solicitation attempts on campus, but there “have been no reports of funds being unlawfully charged to complainants. Students should beware of anyone seeking their personal or financial information.”
Research by the Fulcrum revealed that Voice of Palestine has no social media, and no website. Two other websites exist for organizations named Voice of Palestine, but neither has any relation to the solicitors. The Fulcrum identified one person who used to be involved with Voice, but they claim they did not know of any email or any contact information, and refused to comment otherwise.
Protection Services suggested these resources for students to familiarize themselves with when it comes to scams. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which provides resources to help raise awareness and knowledge to help stay safe from fraud. As well as, the Ontario government guidelines and information on fraud.
