As the clean-up efforts begin following the devastating East Coast floods, there has been an outpouring of generosity from people looking to help affected regions get back on their feet – but unfortunately, there may also come scammers looking to dupe well-meaning Aussies in the process.
That’s according to Westpac’s General Manager of Fraud Prevention and Financial Crime, Chris Whittingham, who warns that crooks will often capitalise on natural disasters like bushfires and floods, and says scams have almost tripled during the pandemic.
“With the current floods crisis, scammers will try to take advantage of Australians’ generosity and support by setting up fake donation sites, or even posing as insurers, businesses or government organisations offering help to the victims themselves.
“We are urging people to be on high alert to the possibility of scams and closely check that any websites or charitable organisations are legitimate before sending funds or your personal information,” he said.
NSW Trading Minister Eleni Petesos adds that Scamwatch figures revealed 92,117 reported scams last year, with total losses of $110,080,190.
“The behaviour of these fraudsters who seek to profit from other people’s heartbreak is reprehensible and we need to do everything possible to ensure they are caught and face the full force of the law.
“If those looking to donate want their money to go to a legitimate individual or organisation, they should go to the Service NSW website and check that it has a charitable fundraising license,” she said.
If you want to help flood relief efforts, the NSW Government has compiled a page with reputable charities – including the Australian Red Cross and GIVIT – as well as volunteering organisations that need extra hands.
