An increase in scams posing as charities has prompted a warning by the national charity regulator ahead of the holiday season.
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The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission's (ACNC) Deborah Jenkins said while Australians were a generous lot, people needed to check the Charity Register to confirm they were giving to a verified charity.
"It instantly shows you details such as an organisation's ABN, or if it is up to date with required reporting," the commissioner said.
"These are basic signs that a charity follows the rules - that it is accountable and transparent."
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), hundreds of thousands of dollars have been lost to fake charity scams in 2022 and more people could be vulnerable after recent large-scale data breaches.
Optus and Medibank customers were among those affected in major hacks this year that stole personal information such as phone numbers, email addresses, birthdates, home addresses and personal identification documents.
Scamwatch advises fake charities 'play on your emotions' and occur in person, approaching people on the street or door-knocking, or online, by phone or email.
How to spot a fake charity according to Scamwatch
- You've never heard of the charity before. Australia has over 60,000 verified charities you can check at the Charity Register.
- It's a well-known charity, but the website, letter or email could be fake. A fake website may look almost identical to a legitimate charity site, changing only the details of where to send donations.
- The collector doesn't have identification. And even if they do have identification, it could be forged.
- You are put under pressure. A collector making you feel guilty or selfish if you don't donate is a sign the charity is not legitimate.
- Cash is the only donation option. Or, a collector may request a cheque to be made out to them rather than to the charity.
- You are not given a receipt. Or, they give you a receipt that does not have the charity's details on it.
ACNC's Ms Jenkins said if people wanted to donate, they should search for a charity's website themselves.
"We strongly recommend that rather than clicking on a link you were sent, it is better to go to a charity's website," the commissioner said.
"Follow the steps provided there to give as generously as you can.
"Australia's 60,000 charities do extraordinary work. They deserve our support this Christmas and festive season."
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