MUSCAT: Authorities have warned the public against individuals and entities who raise funds on the pretext of charity.

The warning comes after citizens, residents and businesses have started to donate funds to families affected by cyclone Shaheen. Speaking exclusively to The Arabian Stories (TAS), a top official at the Relief and Shelter Sector of Ministry of Social Development (MOSD) said no donations in the name of charity should be transferred to individual bank accounts. 

 “No individuals or private entities are assigned to collect donations for cyclone Shaheen victims. Only charity organisations such as Oman Charitable Organization (OCO) and those affiliated with MOSD are allowed to collect funds. No money should be transferred to any personal accounts,” the official warned. “Public should be alert when someone approaches them for money,” he said. 

The MOSD official has warned the public against taking up fund-raising campaigns and activities individually, as such practices are being strictly regulated in the Sultanate.

The collection of donations without approval is considered a crime. As per the law, whoever asks for donations or collects money without permission can be jailed for one to three months and fined OMR 200 to OMR 600.  According to the law, if it involves collecting and sending donations outside the country, the prison term can be can range from three months to a year and a fine of OMR 1,000 to OMR 2,000. 

The official said those wishing to provide their assistance, whether in kind or material,  can directly coordinate with the relief and shelter sector or deposit funds to the bank accounts of OCO. 

Cyclone Shaheen packing strong winds and rains had barreled into North Al Batinah Governorate, as thousands of people were evacuated to shelters, while it claimed 13 lives.