Is Fundraising on Social Media a Crime? 2026 Updated Guide
Is fundraising on social media a crime? This question has been among the most researched legal topics recently. This is because many people ask for help by sharing their IBAN on Instagram, TikTok, and X. However, the legal system does not permit every donation. On the contrary, when certain conditions are met, this action directly constitutes a crime.
📌 Is Fundraising on Social Media a Crime?
First of all, it must be stated clearly:
👉 Fundraising on social media without permission is a crime.
However, not every post constitutes a crime. This is because the law distinguishes between a donation and a call for aid. Therefore, the specific facts of the case are decisive.
⚖️ In What Situations Does a Crime Occur?
🔴 1. Fundraising Without Permission
Especially if a person on social media:
- Shares an IBAN
- Makes a “donate” call
- Addresses a continuous and wide audience
👉 In this case, the crime of unauthorized fundraising occurs.
Consequently, the administration:
- Imposes a fine
- Stops the campaign
- Confiscates the collected money
🔴 2. Fraudulent Donations and Fraud
Furthermore, the most severe situation is a fraudulent donation. For example, if a person:
- Invents a fake illness
- Uses forged documents
- Collects money in someone else's name
👉 In this case, the crime becomes qualified fraud under the Turkish Penal Code.
Therefore, the penalty is:
- Imprisonment from 3 to 10 years
- Judicial fine
⚠️ Does the "I Shared It for a Sick Child" Defense Save You?
No, it does not always save you. Because the court looks at the act rather than the intent.
If a person:
- Makes a call to a wide audience
- Shares an IBAN
- Creates continuity
👉 The court considers this situation as fundraising and accepts it as a crime.
✅ In What Situations Does a Crime Not Occur?
🟢 1. Authorized Institutions
The following institutions have the right to raise funds:
- Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay)
- AFAD
- Associations
- Foundations
However, these institutions also ensure transparency and state a purpose.
🟢 2. Personal Help Posts
Additionally, some posts do not constitute a crime. For example, if a person:
- Asks for support for a friend
- Requests help for their own medical treatment
- Does not create continuity
👉 In this case, the post may not be considered fundraising. However, the concrete event remains decisive.
🚨 What Do New Regulations Bring?
Regulations prepared recently contain significant changes. Accordingly:
- Imprisonment is given to those who let others use their bank accounts
- Sharing crypto accounts is also included in the scope of the crime
- Identity verification becomes mandatory
- Transfer of mobile lines is subject to strict supervision
👉 These regulations aim to prevent fraud.
🔍 The Most Critical Mistake: Sharing an IBAN
Many people make this mistake:
👉 "I only shared an IBAN, it won't be a crime"
However, this thought is wrong because:
- If a public call is made
- If money is requested systematically
👉 This situation directly constitutes a crime.
🧾 Summary Table
| Situation | Result |
|---|---|
| Authorized institution donation | ❌ Not a crime |
| Personal limited help | ⚠️ Depends on the case |
| Unauthorized public call | ✅ Crime |
| Fraudulent donation | 🚨 Serious crime |
🔗 Useful Links
📣 CONCLUSION
In conclusion:
✔ Fundraising on social media constitutes a crime under certain conditions
✔ Unauthorized campaigns, in particular, carry risks
✔ Furthermore, fraudulent donations require severe penalties
✔ Therefore, every post must be made with care
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