Beware of charity scammers this Christmas

Communities across Australia are being urged to check before they donate to charities this Christmas.

The festive season sees many charities asking Australians to dig deep, but there are scammers out there readers need to be aware of.

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissioner Sue Woodward said charities need our support as they try to meet higher community demand.

“Unfortunately, we also need to sound a note of caution. We know there are scammers out there ready to exploit people’s generosity,” Ms Woodward said.

“They pretend they are collecting money on behalf of a charity when they’re not. They may call, email, or approach you on the street seeking donations.”

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissioner Sue Woodward.

Scamwatch calculates $1.4 million in losses to fake charity scams officially reported in the past five years ─ and the real figure is likely much higher, as many victims don’t report being scammed. Phone calls, online and email were the top contact methods used.

“We strongly advise that you check the Charity Register before you donate to confirm if an organisation is real and registered. The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission has advised.

https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities

“If it is on the Register, you can be confident that it submits required core information about its work to us as the regulator, so it is transparent and accountable.

“Click through to the charity’s website from the Register and find out how to donate there. That is much safer than clicking on links in unsolicited texts or emails, or providing your details to a caller you don’t know, and who may not be who they say they are.”

The ACNC recommends that before you donate, you:

• Look up a charity’s contact details on the Charity Register
• Click on the charity’s website link on the Register, and find out how to donate there
• Don’t click on links in text messages, social media posts or emails
• Don’t tell callers your banking details, your name or any other personal details.

Top 12 scams ahead of Christmas:

• Parcel delivery scams (including “missed delivery” texts)
• Online shopping and marketplace scams
• Phishing emails
• Romance and loneliness scams
• Job scams
• “Hi mum/hi dad” text scams
• Bank impersonation scams
• Investment scams and year-end ‘bonus’ opportunities
• Gift card and voucher scams
• Charity and holiday donation scams
• Secret Santa and social group scams
• Travel and holiday accommodation scams