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Fraudsters pretending to be from UNHCR keep contacting refugees and promising access to resettlement through medical certificates!

They promise support with translation and stamping if you pay them money!

Do not pay any money!

Only this year, hundreds of refugees have reported to UNHCR having lost their money to these fraudsters.

Note that fraudsters may also try to use your personal documents to scam other refugees in your name!

Remember that all UNHCR and partner services are ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE!

If you have been a victim or are aware of fraud, please report it immediately to UNHCR Lebanon at 📞04726111 or send us an email at  📧[email protected].

Check the video on this scheme here.

Learn more about fraud here.  

As a refugee in Lebanon, it is your right to access basic services such as electricity. However, just as any other person living in Lebanon, it is your responsibility to pay for the electricity you consume.

UNHCR does not pay for electricity or the installation of meters to/by Électricité du Liban (EDL) on behalf of refugees.

Here are some tips to help you meet your obligations:

1. Payment of electricity bills:

The electricity bills provided by EDL should be paid to EDL officials /services providers. They visit the consumer’s place of residence to collect the payment.

If for any reason the collector is unable to collect the payment upon their first visit, they leave a notice informing you of their next visit.

If upon their second visit, they are still unable to collect the payment, you should approach the nearest EDL office to settle the bill as soon as possible to avoid any disruption in your electricity services. You should expect to pay extra fees for late payment.

In case your property owner or their delegate pays for electricity on your behalf, make sure to ask to see the electricity bill when paying the fees, where possible. This is to ensure that you are not overcharged, and you are keeping track of your consumption.

2. Keep proof of payment:

Always keep proof of payment, whether you are paying your bill directly to EDL or through your property owner or their delegate. This will protect you in case of disputes later.

3. Consequences of not paying:

Not paying electricity bills is a violation of law and has serious consequences including disruption of access to electricity. You may also face fines or other penalties.

4. Consequences of accessing electricity illegally:

Connecting illegally to electricity grids is a violation of law and can lead to fines and prosecution. It also presents a danger. When power grids become overloaded, there is increased risk of electrical fires or electrical shock.

5. Safety tips:

To stay safe:

• Do not overload electrical outlets.
• If you notice any damage, ask for help from a professional.
• Keep flammable objects away from electrical outlets.
• Unplug small devices and appliances when not in use.

For more fire safety tips, please visit this page on the Help Lebanon website.

To learn more about services and assistance provided by UNHCR, please visit the main page of the Help Lebanon website.

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Fraudsters pretending to work for UNHCR are sending SMS’ promising resettlement. This is fraud!

UNHCR never communicates on resettlement via SMS, WhatsApp or any other social media platform!

Remember that services from UNHCR its partner are ALWAYS free of charge!

If you have been a victim of fraud or you suspect fraud, please report it to UNHCR at 04726111 or send us an email at [email protected].

📣This message is shared though the UNHCR WhatsApp communication📣

Fraudsters pretending to work for the Red Crescent are contacting divorced and widowed women via WhatsApp promising cash assistance. Do not engage with them, they are trying to deceive you for their own profit!

You can protect yourself from exploitation or abuse, including of a sexual nature, by NEVER sharing your personal information with anyone you do not know!

If you have been a victim of fraud or exploitation, or you suspect fraud, please report it to UNHCR at 📞04726111 or send us an email at 📧[email protected].

📣This message is shared though the UNHCR WhatsApp communication📣

Do not believe anyone promising to facilitate resettlement or visas to other countries in exchange for money. This is fraud!

Do not share your personal information and documentation with anyone.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to UNHCR at 04726111 or send us an email at [email protected].

To authenticate our WhatsApp messages, you can check the “Latest News” on the UNHCR Help Lebanon website at https://help.unhcr.org/lebanon/en/latest-news/.

📣This message is shared though the UNHCR WhatsApp communication📣

Yesterday, UNHCR and the Government of Lebanon issued a press statement on personal data sharing, informing that:

• An agreement has been reached between the two entities to share basic personal data in accordance with global data protection standards.

• The Government of Lebanon has committed not to use it for purposes contrary to international law.

• The Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of non-refoulement and its obligations under international and domestic law.

• The agreement also notes that UNHCR’s protection and assistance role in Lebanon will continue.

UNHCR already shares data with the Government of Lebanon for different purposes, to ensure needed protection and assistance. When you first approached UNHCR, we informed you that your basic biodata may need to be shared with the Government of Lebanon, recognizing its legitimate interest to know who is on its territory. The agreement builds on the ongoing collaboration between UNHCR and the Government of Lebanon.

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Apply now to become a DAFI scholar at the Lebanese International University for the academic year 2023/2024! The deadline to apply is 14 August 2023. For more information, please visit: UNHCR Tertiary Scholarship Programme Online Platform (scholarshipsplatform.com). Please note that to access the link, you will need to create an account and log in.

To be considered for the DAFI scholarship program you must:

• Be known to UNHCR,
• Have a legal residency permit,
• Be equal to or below 22 years of age by the beginning of the academic year 2023-2024,
• Have completed or be expected to complete your secondary education by the fall of 2023,
• Have a Lebanese high school diploma or its equivalent obtained in Lebanon,
• Not have a university degree,
• Chose a major that is covered by the DAFI scholarship program and that can be completed within 3 academic years.

When submitting your application, make sure you attach all the required documents.

Follow the DAFI Lebanon Facebook page (DAFI Scholarship – Lebanon – Home | Facebook) for important updates. For any questions, please email [email protected].

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Fraudsters pretending to work for UNHCR are falsely promising cash assistance to refugees who fill out an online survey. This is fraud!

Please do not fill out the questionnaire! These people want to cause you harm.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to UNHCR at 04726111 or send us an email at [email protected].

📣This message is shared though the UNHCR WhatsApp communication📣

Do not participate in fraud and do not fall victim to fraud!

You have a responsibility to protect yourself and UNHCR from fraud!

Fraud has serious consequences including losing access to UNHCR assistance and other services!

Please note that ALL our services are ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE!

If you have been a victim or aware of fraud, please report it to UNHCR Lebanon at 04726111 or send us an email at 📞[email protected].

If you suspect UNHCR or partner staff involvement in fraudulent activities, please report it directly to UNHCR’s Inspector General’s Office, who investigates allegations against UNHCR and partners staff, through:

• Email: 📧[email protected]
• UNHCR’s website: Complaint Form

For more information on fraud, please consult our help page on https://help.unhcr.org/lebanon/en/welcome/report-fraud/.

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High temperatures increase the risks of fire outbreaks, and present health risks, especially for older persons, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Here are a few important tips to help you stay safe:

What you can do to prevent fires:

• Keep electronic equipment, mirrors and other reflective items out of direct sunlight.
  • Make sure your mobile phones are uncovered and kept away from soft furniture when charging. Do also regularly check on your phone when it is charging.
  • Remove flammable materials such as piles of dust, leaves, sticks and cardboard from your living area they may ignite under strong direct sunlight.
  • Electrical cables can present a fire hazard, keep your cables tidy and do not overload sockets.

What you can do to stay healthy during a heat wave:

• Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat fresh vegetables and fruits.
  • Stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • If you must go outside during the hottest part of the day, wear a hat or use umbrella.
  • If you or someone you know experiences dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. To find the nearest supported Public Health Center click here https://help.unhcr.org/lebanon/en/welcome/access-to-healthcare/primary-healthcare/ and go to question 2.

For more fire safety tips, please click here. You may also check the weather forecast for the coming days: Fire Forecasting (arcgis.com)