After the floods and storms in Queensland and New South Wales, due to ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is warning donors to be alert to fake fundraising appeals.
Commissioner Sue Woodward AM said thousands of people have been impacted by the disaster, and unfortunately there are media reports of scammers trying to take advantage of the community’s generosity.
‘When there is a major disaster, we know many Australians want to donate to charities that are providing vital relief and recovery support on the ground. We certainly encourage everyone to give what they can to legitimate charities that are working to assist those impacted by the disaster,’ Ms Woodward said.
‘However, donors need to take care. Scammers will be out there, preying on our kindness. Many people will be prompted to donate to appeals in their social media feeds, in text messages and emails, for example. We strongly recommend that you pause for a moment, rather than just clicking on a link.
‘It is important to check the ACNC Charity Register to ensure that you donate to a real, registered charity. On the Register you will see key details that demonstrate a charity is accountable and transparent, such as where it operates, who is running it and whether it is meeting its financial reporting obligations. Then you can be confident that your money will help the people you want to help.’
Before you make a donation the ACNC recommends you:
- Look for established, registered charities running verified appeals.
- Check the Charity Register to see details about a charity’s main work.
- Don’t click on links in unsolicited texts, emails and social media posts which may take you to a scam website or socials page. Instead, find the charity’s website on the Charity Register.
- Don’t give your credit card and bank account details on social media and be cautious if you do so online.
- If you get a call claiming to be from a charity, say you’ll call back. Search the Charity Register and call back on the number shown there.
- Always ask for identification from collectors at a shopping centre, on the street or at your front door.