Scammers targeting generous people during floods

Published on 07 July 2022

Natural disasters can bring out both the best and worst in people. Unfortunately, scammers try and use disasters as a way to take advantage of generous Aussies.

With flooding occurring in New South Wales, including in the Kempsey Shire, there are reports of scammers posing as workers from the Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service to try and collect money. These cunning people are door knocking on people's homes or phoning them seeking donations. Some are even in uniforms and appear to be legitimate.

But, both the RFS and SES do not door knock or call asking for donations. Scammers play on people's goodwill and emotions to get money for their benefit.

Warning signs

• The person collecting money does not have official identification. Remember though, even if they do have identification, it could be forged.
• You're feeling pressured or guilt-tripped to make a donation.
• You are specifically asked for cash donations as they don't accept cheques. Or, they want to cheque made out for them.
• You do not get a receipt. Or, the receipt you get does not have the charity details on it.

Protect yourself by

• If you wish to donate to charities, please contact them directly.
• Never send personal details or banking details to anyone you don't know or trust.
• Do a Google search of the charity to check it's legitimate.
• Ask the suspected scammer to leave, if they refuse call the police

If you've been scammed contact your bank straight away.

More details on scams can be found at Scamwatch