The Maltese Shield: Become a Volunteer and Protect Others from Fraud
We invite you to join a sincere and important mission—supporting a new initiative aimed at protecting socially vulnerable residents of Estonia from telephone and digital fraud.
Telephone and online fraud in Estonia has become a national threat. In the first nine months of 2025, criminals stole over €20 million—almost one million per week.
Most schemes originate from professional call centers outside the EU, making them extremely difficult to investigate.
Police note that a significant share of these losses could have been prevented with basic digital awareness and timely consultation with trusted intermediaries.
“The Maltese Shield” is the flagship project of the Maltese Order Foundation in Estonia. Its goal is to build a sustainable system of prevention, support, and rapid response so that elderly people, those who feel insecure in the digital environment, and individuals living in social isolation do not fall victim to fraudsters.
The Maltese Shield project includes:
Education for at-risk groups—meetings, lectures, and consultations that explain in simple terms how scammers operate and how to avoid their traps.
A network of volunteer mentors—trained helpers who can be contacted at the first signs of suspicion or doubt.
Monitoring of fraudulent schemes—gathering and analyzing new methods of deception and quickly informing the public.
A coordination and liaison center—serving as a bridge between banks, the state, the IT sector, and the media.
Support for victims—assistance in contacting the bank and the police, guidance through the next steps, and emotional support.
The Maltese Shield also reduces social isolation, strengthens trust in society, and fosters a culture of mutual assistance.
The project is already supported by leading IT and banking organizations in Estonia and is evolving as part of the national prevention system.
Your involvement truly matters.
Why join the Malteser community?
✨ Be part of a warm and supportive community
✨ Improve your communication and teamwork skills
✨ Show your commitment and values to future employers
✨ Make a real impact in society
✨ Take part in joyful gatherings where we celebrate our shared mission to help others
Become part of the project:
— Become a volunteer
Or contact us directly: dagmar.meinberg@orderofmalta.ee
Sign up for our Newsletter
Stay up to date with announcements of volunteer projects and trainings for volunteers