The Albanese Government is urging Australians to give generously to charities over the Christmas period but to be aware of fake charity scams. Fake charity scams have tended to peak over the December/January period in recent years.
Tips before donating:
- Look for established, registered charities running verified appeals.
- Do a quick check to see if the organisation is on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission’s Charity Register and find details about its work.
- Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails and social media posts which may take you to a fake, scam website. Find the charity’s website in a search engine or on the Charity Register.
- Don’t give your credit card and bank account details on social media and be cautious online.
- If you get a call claiming to be from a charity, say you’ll call back. Search the Charity Register and call back on the number shown there.