HOW to avoid volunteer application scams
june 14, 2023
At All Hands and Hearts (AHAH), the safety and wellbeing of our volunteers is of the utmost importance. Creating a safe and supportive environment for our volunteers across the world is paramount, and this starts from the moment an individual applies to volunteer on one of our global disaster-relief programs.
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FRAUD
It has come to our attention that false and misleading information about our volunteer application process has been circling, and individuals are posing as staff members of AHAH. We acknowledge the risk this poses to our community and understand how deceptive and harmful scams can be to those affected.
To ensure the safety of our community and to protect you, our volunteers, from fraudulent activities, we want to equip you with the knowledge and information needed to identify and avoid these scams so that you can have a secure volunteer application process.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND AVOID SCAMS
Here are key signals that will help you to recognize if your experience applying to volunteer is part of a fraudulent scam.
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Communication: Be cautious of channels and email addresses. We will never contact you through chat platforms like WhatsApp to fill out an application.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please ensure you recognize our organization’s email address: [email protected]
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- Payment Requests: We will never ask you for any form of payment during the application process as a day volunteer.
- If you apply as a residential volunteer, you will only be requested to pay and submit a background check through our trusted third-party partner’s website, Sterling Volunteers.
- Bank Account Information: We will never ask you for your bank account details
- Passport Photo or Information: We will never request your passport photo or passport information through the application process.
- Passport information will be requested on arrival to program for emergency purposes and will be stored securely in our database until the end of program. However, this information will not be requested at the application stage.
- If you are accepted through our National Volunteer Sponsorship Fund, we request that you provide us with your travel information at a later stage.
- Personal Information: We will not ask you for your level of education, profession, skills or to provide any certificates through the application process.
- In the lead-up to your trip, our Volunteer Relations Coordinator may enquire about your skills to maximize your contribution to the program. However, this information will not be requested at the application stage.
- Visas, Scholarship and Citizenships: We do not offer visas, pay for volunteer work, or provide citizenships.
- We also do not cover travel expenses, although there may be instances where our partners offer vouchers for those who volunteer for a longer time commitment.
- Facebook Groups: We do not have an official Facebook group. Instead, we use our own platform, Alumni Network, to facilitate communication between former and new volunteers.
- Official Application: You should only fill out our application form on our official website, which you will receive from our organization’s email address.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A SCAM
If you encounter any suspicious offers or individuals, please ignore the communications and report their email address or phone number to our Volunteer and Alumni Relations team at [email protected].
To help prevent scammers continuing this activity elsewhere, it is also important to report their contact information to the platform on which you have been contacted.
Your vigilance helps us maintain the integrity of our programs and protect the well-being of our volunteers.
HOW TO APPLY FOR OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
The only way to apply to volunteer on an All Hands and Hearts program is by following these steps:
1. Visit our website at www.allhandsandhearts.org/volunteer and select your preferred volunteer location.
2. If you are applying as a residential volunteer or need to complete a background check within the last 12 months, you will receive an invitation in your email inbox from our trusted third-party partner, Sterling Volunteers. They will guide you on avoiding scams while using their site, and any necessary payments will be made through their website.
3. Once you pass the background check as a residential volunteer or confirm your availability for accommodations near the base as a day volunteer, you will receive an invitation for your program by email from one of our Volunteer Relations Managers. You can always contact us to schedule a call for further details at [email protected].
4. Once you receive an invitation and complete our virtual waiver to confirm your place, you will receive important information, including how to create a fundraising page to advocate for our programs before joining us.
5. Two weeks prior to your program start date, our Volunteer Relations Coordinator based on the program will contact you through WhatsApp to provide any last-minute information and address any questions you may have.
6. We will warmly welcome you at the base. Congratulations on making it to the program!
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES
For more information on this type of fraudulent activity, take a look at these resources:
BUILDING A SAFER ENVIRONMENT, TOGETHER
We appreciate your trust in All Hands and Hearts and the commitment you have shown to make a difference. By remaining vigilant, reporting any suspicious activity and sharing this information with others, we can prevent this damaging, fraudulent behavior from impacting more people. We are grateful for your support and diligence.
Together, we can build a safer and more supportive environment for volunteers around the world.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. We look forward to welcoming you to our All Hands and Hearts programs, where your contributions truly make a lasting impact.
Our team is always on hand to support you; if you have any questions, comments or concerns please email us at [email protected].
