How to tell if a fundraiser is genuine

Most appeals are real, but some are not. A few simple checks protect your money and help real fundraisers get the support they need.

By the Zanja team · Updated 8 November 2026

Free to start. Zanja keeps 5% of each donation and nothing else.
Supporters give with Airtel Money, MTN MoMo, Zamtel Kwacha, Visa and Mastercard.
Cash out to mobile money or a Zambian bank account (minimum K50).

Checks before you give

Do you know the organiser, or someone who does?
Is the person the money is for named, with a recent photo?
Is the amount explained, ideally with a quote or invoice?
Are there people you can call to confirm, such as a pastor, headteacher or doctor?
Does the money go through one recorded link, rather than to changing personal numbers?
For organisations: are they verified?

Warning signs

Pressure to give immediately “or it will be too late”, with no details.
Requests to send money to a number that isn't the organiser's.
Stories copied from elsewhere, or photos that appear on other appeals.
No way to see progress or what the money was used for.

How Zanja helps

Fundraisers can list people who can confirm their story, organisations can be verified, and every payment is confirmed with the payment processor before it counts. Wish lists show what each item cost and, once bought, a photo of the receipt. If something looks wrong, use “Report this fundraiser” on the page.

Ready to start?

It's free and takes about five minutes.

Start a fundraiser