JEDDAH: The Interior Ministry has issued an alert warning that there are fraudsters claiming to raise funds for good causes, but who are in fact supporting terrorist groups.

These people are impersonating military officers and other important figures and are either asking for cash or money to be deposited into bank accounts, according to Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, spokesman of the ministry.

Al-Turki said recently that members of the public who come across such people must report them on the number 980 or fax number 0114420057 or e-mail [email protected]. The ministry warned that anyone found providing financial assistance or depositing funds in the bank accounts of unknown people would be subject to certain penalties.

The authorities have recently seen people raising funds for various terrorists organizations including Al-Qaeda, Daesh, Al-Nusra Front and Hezbollah.

The government has stated that fundraising is not allowed without a permit in Saudi Arabia. This comes in the wake of several attacks in the Kingdom since 2003.