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As there are signs of tensions easing in Gaza, the Australian Charities and Not-for profits Commission (ACNC) is urging donors to give generously to legitimate charities, but beware of scam appeals.
Commissioner Sue Woodward AM said donors should look for established, registered charities running verified appeals.
'It is a relief to see signs of tensions easing, and our hearts are with the people on the ground trying to survive in these horrendous conditions. Support is desperately needed in the short and longer term. I know Australians are very generous and they turn to charities to assist at times like these,' Ms Woodward said.
'While we strongly encourage everyone to be as generous as they can, it is critical that people donate to genuine charities. Unfortunately, Australians lose hundreds of thousands of dollars to fake charity scams each year, according to official reports, but the exact amount is likely to be much higher.'
Ms Woodward advises that before giving to someone that claims to be from a charity, donors should take a moment to check the Charity Register.
'On the Register you can verify that an organisation is a registered charity and have confidence that your money will go where you intend it to go.'
The Charity Register shows key details such as who benefits from a charity’s work, where it operates, who is running it and whether it is meeting its financial reporting obligations.
'These details help demonstrate the charity is accountable and transparent about its operations,' she said.
'Just type Charity Register into your search engine. Or go to acnc.gov.au and you will see ‘Search for a charity’ on our home page. Then look for the key details about the organisation you would like to support. It’s that simple and takes only a few seconds.
'Generally, for charities that provide relief in overseas humanitarian crises zones, you can also check if they are a member of ACFID – which is the Australian Council For International Development,' she said.
ACFID member charities work with organisations that disburse funds in effective and transparent ways. ACFID checks members' emergency appeal websites to ensure they comply with transparency and accountability requirements.
The ACNC also recommends donors consider providing support through the Emergency Action Alliance, which brings together 15 leading aid charities such as Oxfam and Save the Children, which operate in overseas emergency zones.
Other tips include:
- Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails and social media posts which may take you to a fake, scam website. Find the charity’s website in a search engine or on the Charity Register.
- 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.
- Don’t give your credit card and bank account details on social media and be cautious if you do so online.