Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The authorities in Saudi Arabia have warned against unknown outside parties that create websites and seek funds or donations to contribute to charity work outside the Kingdom.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Monday, the spokesperson for the Presidency of State Security stated that the warning comes as part of efforts to ensure the integrity of charity work, and the continued growth in its sources of income, and in light of what has been observed lately regarding a large number of messages and invitations on social media platforms posted by unnamed foreign entities who create websites on the internet and call for raising money or donations to contribute to charity work outside the Kingdom.

The spokesman said: “The Presidency of State Security warns against responding to these messages and invitations, circulating them, or participating in them.”

He urged everyone not to donate to these entities since that will hold the donor accountable according to the laws in the Kingdom.

The spokesman asked all those who wish to donate inside the Kingdom to proceed through the authorized channels while donating abroad is only authorized through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief).