BEING GENEROUS BUT STAYING AWARE: CHARITY SCAMS

Scammers impersonate genuine charities that already exist or make up one that does not exist and target a certain event such as the current Drought Relief campaign run in Australia, or disaster relief campaigns for events such as fire, flood or earthquakes.

How do Charity Scams Work?

Fake charities try to take advantage of your generosity and compassion for others in need. Scammers will take your money by posing as a genuine charity or a new charity for a genuine cause. Not only do these scams cost you money, they also divert much needed donations away from legitimate charities and causes.

Fake charity approaches occur all year round and often take the form of a response to real disasters or emergencies, such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes and bushfires or long term causes such as drought relief, cancer research and many others. Scammers may also play on your emotions by claiming to help children who are ill.

Scammers will pose as either agents of legitimate well-known charities or create their own charity name. This can include charities that conduct medical research or support disease sufferers and their families. They may also pose as individuals needing donations for health or other reasons.

Fake charities operate in a number of different ways. You may be approached on the street or at your front door by people collecting money. Scammers may also set up fake websites which look similar to those operated by real charities. Some scammers will call or email you requesting a donation.

Warning signs

Before agreeing to donate to the charity, be sure to take note of some of the warning signs listed below: 

• You've never heard of the charity before, or it is well-known but you suspect the website, email or letter may be fake. 
• The person collecting donations on behalf of the charity does not have any identification. Remember, even if they do have identification, it could be forged or meaningless. 
• You are put under pressure or made to feel guilty or selfish if you don’t want to donate.
• You are asked to provide a cash donation as they don't accept cheques, or credit card payments. Or, they want the cheque to be made out to them rather than to the charity.
• You are not given a receipt. Or, they give you a receipt that does not have the charity’s details on it.

Protect yourself

• Approach charity organisations directly to make a donation or offer support. 
• Check the organisation's name and look them up. Check the website address to make sure it’s the same as what you searched for.
• Legitimate charities are registered – you check an organisation’s credentials on the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) website to see if they are a genuine charity. 

DROUGHT RELIEF CHARITIES

If you are unsure of which charities to donate to, the below charities are registered and currently helping with the drought crisis affecting farmers across eastern Australia.

Image on Right courtesy of Scam Watch Australia: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams