In the wake of Cyclone Alfred’s destruction, Queenslanders are coming together to rebuild—but not everyone has good intentions. Unscrupulous scammers are seizing the moment, preying on the goodwill and concern of Australians nationwide with fraudulent fundraisers and hoaxes designed to exploit the situation.
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has sounded the alarm, urging the public to remain vigilant in the face of these scams.
Reports of counterfeit fundraising efforts have begun to circulate online, prompting Saffin to issue a stark warning: ‘Unfortunately, the scams have started. A scam started this morning, and I say to people, if you see somebody’s name on it that’s not well known, just ignore it.’
In these trying times, it’s crucial to remember that scammers often ‘exploit the vulnerability’ of individuals during crises, according to AusCERT, a non-profit cybersecurity organisation based in Queensland. Their blog advises caution, reminding everyone that legitimate government agencies like Services Australia and MyGov will never solicit sensitive information over the phone. If you’re ever in doubt, hang up and dial the official number.
Meanwhile, when it comes to charitable giving, it’s essential to ‘only support trusted charities and verify their legitimacy through official websites.’
‘Be cautious with charity phone numbers, emails, or crowdfunding platforms, as scammers may pose as fake charities or misrepresent campaigns,’ the blog warns.
Adding to the confusion, a mass text message was disseminated throughout the Brisbane area, falsely claiming that energy provider Energex will be ‘shutting off the power’ to the city on Thursday or Friday night. The text, which has been widely shared, reads: ‘As a head’s up, my neighbour who lives behind me is quite high up in Energex, she has given me an FYI that they will be shutting off the power to Brisbane late Thursday night/early Friday morning.’
An Energex representative categorically dismissed this message as a ‘hoax.’ While the spokesperson acknowledged that power might be cut if the storm becomes too dangerous, they also assured that ‘once the cyclone passes, crews will begin making network damage safe, assess the damage to determine what staff and equipment is required and then begin making repairs.’
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has confirmed power outages across the state but reassured residents that efforts are underway to restore connections ‘as quickly as possible.’
In these moments of crisis, the Australian spirit of mateship often shines brightest, with many eager to lend a hand. However, it’s vital to channel that generosity wisely to ensure it reaches those truly in need.
1. Verify the charity: Check if the charity is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and look for their ABN on their official website.
2. Be cautious with crowdfunding: Research the organiser’s background and read the campaign’s description carefully. Look for campaigns that are transparent about how the funds will be used.
3. Don’t give out personal information: Legitimate charities will not ask for personal or financial information via text or email.
4. Use secure payment methods: When donating online, ensure the website is secure (look for ‘https’ in the URL) and use a credit card or a payment service like PayPal for added protection.
5. Report scams: If you encounter a scam, report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via the Scamwatch website.
As everyone comes together to support each other, it’s important to stay sharp and discerning to ensure your help isn’t hijacked by those looking to take advantage of this crisis. Share your experiences and tips with fellow YourLifeChoices readers in the comments below to help keep the community informed and protected.
Also read: A new online scam is spreading—here’s what you need to know
