Fraudsters pose as deaf people to solicit donations outside shops

The Lithuanian Deaf Association has warned that people are again posing as deaf people outside shops to collect fake donations, LRT reports. The association says the scammers exploit the public’s goodwill and undermine the dignity of deaf people.

Association president Vaida Lukošiūtė said the fraudsters claim to represent deaf organisations, although they are not deaf. People who know deaf culture and sign language have tried to ask whether they need help, but the scammers become flustered and flee. They also run away when told in sign language that 112 will be called.

The association says it receives calls from people who say they have donated money, and warns that the collections are fraudulent. Such scams have been reported in Lithuania, often involving people who speak a foreign language.

Lukošiūtė said some collectors display donation amounts such as 20 or 50 euros, rather than one or five euros, which may encourage others to give more.

Several retail chains have also recorded attempts to solicit money by pretending to be deaf. Lidl Lithuania communications manager Ovidija Ferencienė said the chain works with reputable organisations, including Maisto bankas, the Lithuanian Red Cross, museums and children’s day centres. It does not organise one-off fundraising campaigns, or does so only rarely.

Maxima said it sees one or two suspected cases a month, usually outside rather than inside its shops. The retailer said fundraising by authorised organisations inside its stores is arranged with the administration and security staff.

Retail chains said security staff ask suspected scammers to stop collecting money and call the police. They also urged members of the public to report suspicious activity.