Be careful of bushfire scams

Posted on 24/12/2019

Crime Stoppers warns people to be careful when donating cash to one of the many support options now in place wanting to raise funds in behalf of local community members impacted by bushfire.

Bushfire disasters bring out the best in people, but they can also bring out the worst. There are plenty of scammers who are quick to capitalise on this type of tragic event as soon as it happens. We have previously seen scams that not only cost people their hard-earned money, but also divert much-needed donations away from legitimate causes.

This could be done through a dodgy online fundraising site, cold calling, or people knocking on doors claiming to be raising funds when they are just trying to cash in on well-intention, generous people wanting to do their bit by making a donation.

A number of people have also reported receiving calls from someone claiming to be from the bank. They were told the bank would like to provide them with some disaster relief funds and wanted their bank details to deposit money into their accounts.

Calls have also been received from people not in bushfire affected regions.

DO NOT disclose your bank details to anyone over the phone.
Anyone who receives a call of this type should contact police on 131 444 or report to scam watch on https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

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