Deaf association warns of donation scams near shopping centres

The Lithuanian Deaf Association has warned that people posing as deaf are asking for money or collecting purported donations near shopping centres, LRT reports, citing a statement from the association.

The individuals use forms bearing disability and deafness symbols, the Lithuanian flag and what appear to be donors’ signatures to seem trustworthy. One form currently in circulation names a non-existent “Regional Association of Deaf and Disabled Children in Europe” and uses the logo of the real organisation Handicap International. The collectors encourage passers-by to sign and donate, and show forms with what they claim are many previous signatures.

The association says it is not connected to the collections and that its organisations do not raise funds by approaching people in shopping centres, on streets or in other public places with signature and donation forms.

It said the practice exploits deafness, sign language, disability symbols and the public’s willingness to help people with disabilities. The association warned that it could mislead people into giving money to unknown individuals and damage trust in the deaf community and legitimate non-governmental organisations. It has also made a video to help people identify the scammers.