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Tel: 1300 30 40 54
consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au
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Generous Western Australians wanting to donate to victims of the Kimberley floods are being warned to watch out for scammers who often exploit these events by setting up fake charities.
While no scam reports have yet to be received, it has been previous experience that scams emerge in the wake of these disasters to steal money from donors and the intended recipients.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said the scammers often use social media to lure their victims.
“There may be pop-up ads on social media sites or scam pages with evocative imagery that direct people to fake websites where donations are stolen, as well as personal and credit card information,” Ms Blake said.
“The scammers may also set up bogus Go Fund Me pages that pretend to raise money for individual victims or send out emails and texts impersonating official charities to promote these fake appeals.
“The best way not to get scammed is to only donate to licensed charities or official fundraisers like the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund to ensure the money goes to the right cause.”
Those wishing to raise funds are also reminded that collecting money for a charitable purpose such as this requires a licence, or for a licensed charity to be involved. A quick check on the Consumer Protection and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) websites will confirm if the fundraising body holds a licence or is registered.
Advice when making donations to flood appeals:
More information about charity donations and collections is available on the Consumer Protection website and enquiries can be made by email charities@demirs.wa.gov.au. Donors who believe they have lost money to a fake charity scam, should email WA ScamNet for assistance at consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.
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Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / cpmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au
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