The Food Banks Federation warns of an online scam collecting data by promising free packages

The Federation of Food Banks of Romania (FBAR) is warning about an online scam that promises free food packages delivered directly to people’s homes in exchange for completing a questionnaire. The advertisements use the organization’s name and image, but have no connection to it and most likely seek to collect personal and banking data without authorization.

One of the identified campaigns is promoted under the name “Prizelyo.” Users are directed to fake pages, where they are asked to complete forms in order to receive the purported aid. FBAR states that it does not organize such campaigns, does not deliver individual packages to homes and never requests banking details for food distribution.

In reality, the Food Banks collect products from companies, distributors and retailers, then distribute them through partner nongovernmental organizations, social canteens, centers for children and services for vulnerable people.

The Federation recommends that people do not access suspicious links or enter card numbers, PIN codes, passwords or identity document details on unknown websites. Deceptive advertisements can be reported to social media platforms, while information about the organization’s activities should be verified on its official website. FBAR brings together nine regional food banks and supports approximately 340,000 vulnerable people through more than 900 partner organizations.