As communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred begin clean-up and recovery efforts, there are warnings today to remain vigilant against potential fundraising scams to ensure you're not wasting your donation.
The great Aussie spirit that sees many people want to dig deep to help others in a time of need can be taken advantage of by scammers.
NSW Fair Trading is warning donors against scammers who often seek to exploit this goodwill by setting up fake fundraising pages or posing as legitimate charities.
Top tips to avoid fundraising scams:
- Check credentials: Only donate to registered charities with a charitable fundraising licence.
- Avoid unsolicited requests: Be wary of phone calls, emails, or social media messages asking for donations.
- Research before you donate: Use official channels like the ACNC Charity Register and Verify NSW.
- Report suspicious activity: Visit Scamwatch and NSW Fair Trading.
To check if a charity is legitimate and holds a charitable fundraising licence, visit Verify NSW here: https://verify.licence.nsw.gov.au/home/Charities or use the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Charity Register here: https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities.
To report a scam or express concerns about illegitimate fundraising activities, visit Contact Scamwatch here: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/ and NSW Fair Trading here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/complaints-and-enquiries or call NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20.
People looking to make a financial contribution or to donate other goods such as food or clothing are encouraged to visit the GIVIT website (a non-profit organisation partnering with the NSW and Queensland Governments to support communities impacted by Cyclone Alfred) here: https://www.givit.org.au/tropical-cyclone-alfred.
GIVIT lists essential goods and services required by people and recovery groups in specific communities and allows people to donate the item or contribute financially towards it.
The list of items is regularly updated as recovery efforts progress.
For more information and support on how to donate responsibly, please visit the NSW Government website here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery/donations.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:
"It's inspiring to see the outpouring of support to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred victims from NSW communities, but we want to ensure donations reach those in need rather than unscrupulous scammers.
"That's why we are urging everyone, before donating, please take a moment to verify that the charity or fundraiser you intend to donate to is licensed and legitimate.
"Unfortunately, scammers will take advantage of people's goodwill during a natural disaster like ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
"Scammers can be very convincing, often using emotional appeals, fake social media pages, or crowdfunding platforms so please be scam-aware and contact NSW Fair Trading if you are in doubt."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:
"Thank you to the thousands of volunteers across the NSW State Emergency Service and other emergency agencies who worked tirelessly to assist Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast communities this past week.
"It speaks volumes that people that want to help but please consider donating to help those in need through GIVIT or another reputable charity you feel comfortable with.
"These charities will ensure people get exactly what they need when they need it."
