The news was alarming. “Hello, my name is XXX, I come from Afghanistan. My father worked years ago to sort out German affairs. Now we are in a very bad situation, please help us. We don’t live in good conditions.” At first glance, this sounds like an urgent cry for help. But as is often the case on the Internet, you should look twice before acting.

A well-known trick in a new guise
Caution is the key to caution – especially in the digital age. These messages follow a classic advance fee fraud scheme. This means that the sender feigns an emergency and asks the recipient for financial support. As soon as the money is transferred, the person supposedly seeking help disappears from the scene.
Advance fee fraud is not new. It comes in different versions and has already found many victims. The difference today is that social media like Facebook makes it easier for fraudsters to reach a wide range of people in a short period of time.
Why Afghanistan?
The conflict in Afghanistan, the influx of refugees and the humanitarian crisis have repeatedly been in the headlines in recent years. Fraudsters cleverly exploit current events to increase their credibility. The suffering of others is cold-bloodedly used as a means to an end.
How do you recognize such messages?
There are some signs that may indicate advance fee fraud:
- Unknown Sender : If you don't follow or friend the person, be careful.
- Urgency : Scammers often push for quick action to get their victims to make a hasty decision.
- Conspicuous amounts of money : Sometimes specific amounts are mentioned that are “urgently needed”.
- Missing personal information : Many such messages are very general and could be addressed to anyone.
How should you react?
- Don't reply : Even if it's difficult, don't reply to such messages.
- Do not share : Do not share personal information or banking details.
- Report : Inform the platform about the suspicious user. On Facebook, for example, there is the option to report messages or profiles.
Are there real cries for help?
Of course there are real cries for help and situations in which people are in need. But even with genuine requests, you should be careful and check whether it really is a legitimate cry for help. Possibilities are, for example:
- Seek personal contact: Ask for more information and try to understand the situation better.
- Research: A little research online can often help verify the story.
- Support organizations: Instead of sending money directly, donate to trusted organizations that operate in the region.
Conclusion: On the Internet, trust is good, control is better
The digital world offers us many opportunities to network and help each other. But where there is light, there is also shadow. Advance fee scammers take advantage of the anonymity of the Internet and people's compassion. It is important to remain vigilant and critically evaluate each request. If you are unsure, it is better to ask too much than too little. It's not about being suspicious, it's about acting informed and cautious. This is the only way we can protect ourselves and others from fraudsters.
Also exciting: “F*cking for skilled workers” in the fact check
Already read? A quiet vibration. A new WhatsApp chat. The picture of a loved one, but the message seems unusual. “Hello Mom” followed by “Halo Dad” – the words that cause confusion and fear for many. Mimikama explains such shocking news: WhatsApp fraud uncovered: The “Hello Mama-Halo Papa” case
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

