The Islamic Foundation has warned the public about a fraudulent group allegedly using the institution’s name, logo, official letterhead, and the names and identities of its officials to circulate fake recruitment notices and lure people with promises of jobs and financial assistance.

The warning was issued in a press release on Saturday by Billal Bin Kashem, public relations officer of the Islamic Foundation.

According to the statement, fake recruitment notices claiming to be from the Islamic Foundation have recently been circulated through social media, online platforms, Messenger, WhatsApp and other channels. Fraudsters are allegedly demanding money from job seekers in the name of application fees, registration fees, security deposits and other charges.

Similarly, imams, muezzins and khadims of mosques are reportedly being approached with promises of government or Islamic Foundation-funded honorariums, grants, financial assistance or special benefits. They are then encouraged to make financial transactions through personal mobile numbers, bank accounts, bKash, Nagad and other channels.

The Islamic Foundation clarified that its approved recruitment notices and other important announcements are published only through designated government and institutional channels. There is no opportunity to obtain a job, honorarium, grant or financial assistance from the Islamic Foundation by sending money to anyone’s personal mobile number, bank account, bKash, Nagad or other personal financial account.

The foundation said such fraudulent activities are particularly aimed at misleading and financially exploiting ordinary religious scholars, imams, muezzins, khadims, mosque committee members and job seekers. Fraudsters are also allegedly using the names, designations, photographs, signatures and official monogram of Islamic Foundation officials and employees to make their false identities appear credible.

In some cases, fake letters, appointment letters, application forms and lists of financial assistance are also being prepared and circulated on social media. The Islamic Foundation described these activities as illegal and fraudulent attempts to damage the institution’s reputation.

Applicants urged to verify recruitment notices

The Islamic Foundation has urged job seekers to verify the memorandum number, date, position, application procedure, deadline and information about the relevant authority whenever a recruitment notice is published.

People have also been advised not to respond if anyone contacts them by phone, social media or message and demands money in exchange for guaranteeing a job. No one should pay money to secure employment.

Special warning for imams, muezzins and khadims

The Islamic Foundation has specifically warned mosque imams, muezzins, khadims and mosque committee members that if anyone claiming to represent the foundation contacts them by phone, message or in person and asks for advance payments, registration fees or personal financial transactions in exchange for government honorariums, grants, financial assistance, registration or other benefits, they should immediately reject the proposal and notify the appropriate authorities.

Everyone has also been advised not to share national identification information, bank account details, mobile banking PINs, OTPs, passwords or other confidential information in online groups operated by unknown individuals or organizations.

Action planned against fraudsters

The Islamic Foundation said steps are being taken to initiate legal action against individuals or groups involved in fraudulent activities using the institution’s name and identity.

Anyone who falls victim to fraud, or comes across a suspicious notice, post, phone number, letter, appointment letter or financial transaction proposal, has been asked to preserve relevant information, screenshots, phone numbers, transaction details and other evidence.

Victims have also been advised to seek assistance from law enforcement agencies promptly and inform the relevant authorities of the Islamic Foundation.

The foundation urged religious scholars, imams, muezzins, khadims, mosque committee members, job seekers and the general public not to trust recruitment, financial assistance or grant-related notices circulated on social media without verification. It also warned people never to send money to unknown individuals or organizations.

If necessary, people should contact the relevant department of the Islamic Foundation to verify information before taking any further action. The foundation believes that collective awareness and cooperation can help prevent such fraudulent activities carried out in its name.