In the midst of severe flooding across the Hunter region, Mid North, and North Coast of New South Wales, the NSW Government is urging people to remain vigilant when donating to recovery efforts.
As communities recover and rebuild, authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the situation through fake fundraising appeals.
NSW Fair Trading is reminding the public to take simple precautions to ensure their donations are going to legitimate causes.
This includes checking the charity is registered and has a valid fundraising authority, and being cautious of unsolicited donation requests via phone, email, or social media.
Scammers often impersonate well-known charities or create fake websites and social media pages to deceive people into giving money.
These scams can be particularly convincing in the aftermath of natural disasters, when emotions are high and the desire to help is strong.
Consumers are encouraged to:
- Check the charity’s registration on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) website: https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities
- Look up the organisation on the NSW Fair Trading Charitable Fundraising Register: https://verify.licence.nsw.gov.au/home/Charities
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages or emails.
- Report suspected scams to Scamwatch or contact NSW Fair Trading: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/
The NSW Government continues to work closely with local councils and community organisations to support recovery efforts.
People looking to donate items such as food or clothing or make a financial contribution are also encouraged to visit the GIVIT website here: https://www.givit.org.au/take-action/ways-to-give/give-against-an-appeal/new-south-wales-flooding
GIVIT is a non-profit organisation partnering with the NSW Government to support communities impacted by flooding and ensure support reaches those who need it most.
People should not collect, send, or drop off donations in disaster-affected areas.
Despite the best intentions, unsolicited goods can overwhelm recovery operations and divert resources away from critical tasks.
For NSW Government resources to help you during and after floods, visit: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/publications/natural-disasters
For more information on fundraising for a disaster, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/charitable-fundraising/fundraising-for-a-disaster
To donate through GIVIT, please visit: https://www.givit.org.au/take-action/ways-to-give/give-against-an-appeal/new-south-wales-flooding
