Muis warns against fake online ad offering $1,000 zakat assistance

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has warned Muslims against falling prey to a zakat - or tithe - scam online offering "Ramadan assistance" of $1,000.

A screenshot of the fake ad shared by Muis shows an application form prompting victims to enter their full name and phone number in order to claim money provided through the Muis Zakat Financial Assistance scheme.

The ad carries the logo of Zakat Singapore, which is part of Muis and oversees the management of zakat funds in Singapore.

"This is a scam," Muis said in a Facebook post on March 1. "Muis does not process zakat assistance online."

It stressed that applications for such aid can be done only in person at social development mosques with the help of a social development officer.

Muis Zakat Financial Assistance is available to all Muslim Singaporeans and permanent residents in the bottom 7 per cent of national income earners in Singapore.

In 2024, more than $2.6 million of zakat was distributed to over 8,600 beneficiaries as part of Muis' annual Ramadan disbursement.

Muis advised people not to forward the fake ad, and to report it to info@muis.gov.sg if they encounter it. They should also report the scam to the Anti-Scam Helpline or via the ScamShield app.

Those who have fallen victim to the scam should lodge a police report, it added. They should also contact their bank immediately if they have accidentally shared their personal banking information.

Official Muis zakat assistance can be verified through the Muis hotline on 6359 1199 or at muis.gov.sg