The recent bushfire in Mariginiup, on Perth’s northern fringe, has been a source of immense heartache and pain for the local people, as some homes and businesses were ultimately destroyed.

However, Australians must also be vigilant of charity fraudsters who may exploit the vulnerability of some for their own gain by setting up fake fundraisers to steal donations intended for the victims.

Consumer Protection has issued a warning, stating that while no scam reports related to the bushfire clean-up have been received yet, it is 'only a matter of time'.

'Heartless scammers are known to capitalise on the vulnerable by pretending to raise money via fake websites and social media posts,' Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake said.

Scammers may take advantage of those donating to bushfire victims. Image source: Freepik.

'These cruel scams not only steal money from the generous donors who want to help, but they also take away much-needed funds from the victims of these disasters as well.'

Scammers may approach potential victims via unsolicited emails and text messages, claiming to be raising money for individual victims or the community.

The commissioner advised those who receive such a message to avoid clicking on any links and to never hand over personal data, such as phone numbers or bank details.

'The best way to avoid being scammed and ensure your donations get to the people who need it most is to only donate to licensed charities,' Ms Blake added.

'Donors should also be aware that online platforms charge a fee for their services, which in some cases can significantly impact the value of your donation.'

'Face-to-face collectors must also have an identity badge or document naming the charity and WA licence number, and they need to issue a receipt.'

The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF), a long-running disaster relief fund operating in Western Australia since 1961, is a trusted avenue for donations.

The fund was activated on Sunday by City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, and has released an initial relief payment of $5000 to each affected home.

Homes that have been categorised as suffering 'major damage' will have access to an additional initial relief payment of $3000 per home.

Mr Zempilas stated that the early payments would help residents in the city's north secure temporary housing after the blaze.

'The events of this week have been distressing for everyone and we know the WA community again wants to show their support for those who need it urgently,' he added.

'The LMDRF is the place the people of WA have always trusted to be able to ensure their donation goes directly to those who need it.'

Firefighters in the state successfully contained the Mariginiup bushfire on Sunday, allowing for the reopening of roads affected by the blaze.

Incident controller Clinton Kuchel of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services reported that firefighters had managed to protect at least 280 homes from the fire.

Key Takeaways

• A devastating bushfire in Mariginiup, on Perth's northern fringe, has destroyed homes and businesses.
• Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake warned about the prevalence of scams following such disasters, with perpetrators often posing as fundraisers on fake websites and social media posts.
• Ms Blake urged individuals to donate only to licensed charities and to be mindful of unsolicited emails and texts requesting donations or personal information.
• The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund, a disaster relief fund operating in Western Australia since 1961, has been activated to assist those impacted, with early payments being used to help residents find temporary accommodation.

If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Scamwatch. By doing so, you'll be helping to protect others in your community from falling victim to the same scam.

You may also stay updated on the latest scams through our own Scam Watch forum.

Have you or someone you know been targeted by a charity scam? Share your experiences and tips for staying safe in the comments below. Your insights could help protect others in our community.

 

[Brody]

The recent bushfire in Mariginiup, on Perth’s northern fringe, has been a source of immense heartache and pain for the local people, as some homes and businesses were ultimately destroyed.

However, Australians must also be vigilant of charity fraudsters who may exploit the vulnerability of some for their own gain by setting up fake fundraisers to steal donations intended for the victims.

Consumer Protection has issued a warning, stating that while no scam reports related to the bushfire clean-up have been received yet, it is 'only a matter of time'.

'Heartless scammers are known to capitalise on the vulnerable by pretending to raise money via fake websites and social media posts,' Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake said.

View attachment 36089

Scammers may take advantage of those donating to bushfire victims. Image source: Freepik.

'These cruel scams not only steal money from the generous donors who want to help, but they also take away much-needed funds from the victims of these disasters as well.'

Scammers may approach potential victims via unsolicited emails and text messages, claiming to be raising money for individual victims or the community.

The commissioner advised those who receive such a message to avoid clicking on any links and to never hand over personal data, such as phone numbers or bank details.

'The best way to avoid being scammed and ensure your donations get to the people who need it most is to only donate to licensed charities,' Ms Blake added.

'Donors should also be aware that online platforms charge a fee for their services, which in some cases can significantly impact the value of your donation.'

'Face-to-face collectors must also have an identity badge or document naming the charity and WA licence number, and they need to issue a receipt.'

The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF), a long-running disaster relief fund operating in Western Australia since 1961, is a trusted avenue for donations.

The fund was activated on Sunday by City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, and has released an initial relief payment of $5000 to each affected home.

Homes that have been categorised as suffering 'major damage' will have access to an additional initial relief payment of $3000 per home.

Mr Zempilas stated that the early payments would help residents in the city's north secure temporary housing after the blaze.

'The events of this week have been distressing for everyone and we know the WA community again wants to show their support for those who need it urgently,' he added.

'The LMDRF is the place the people of WA have always trusted to be able to ensure their donation goes directly to those who need it.'

Firefighters in the state successfully contained the Mariginiup bushfire on Sunday, allowing for the reopening of roads affected by the blaze.

Incident controller Clinton Kuchel of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services reported that firefighters had managed to protect at least 280 homes from the fire.

Key Takeaways

• A devastating bushfire in Mariginiup, on Perth's northern fringe, has destroyed homes and businesses.
• Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake warned about the prevalence of scams following such disasters, with perpetrators often posing as fundraisers on fake websites and social media posts.
• Ms Blake urged individuals to donate only to licensed charities and to be mindful of unsolicited emails and texts requesting donations or personal information.
• The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund, a disaster relief fund operating in Western Australia since 1961, has been activated to assist those impacted, with early payments being used to help residents find temporary accommodation.

If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Scamwatch. By doing so, you'll be helping to protect others in your community from falling victim to the same scam.

You may also stay updated on the latest scams through our own Scam Watch forum.

Have you or someone you know been targeted by a charity scam? Share your experiences and tips for staying safe in the comments below. Your insights could help protect others in our community.

No I haven't been been scammed, but I have stopped contributing to any of the
Charities which I would have done quite
often until now. I don't feel confident to
continue to do what I would have done
previously. It is unfortunate but necessary in today's world. That situation has caused people like me to
not give money to help doing what we have previously done.

 

[Barbara V]

No I haven't been been scammed, but I have stopped contributing to any of the
Charities which I would have done quite
often until now. I don't feel confident to
continue to do what I would have done
previously. It is unfortunate but necessary in today's world. That situation has caused people like me to
not give money to help doing what we have previously done.

The recent bushfire in Mariginiup, on Perth’s northern fringe, has been a source of immense heartache and pain for the local people, as some homes and businesses were ultimately destroyed.

However, Australians must also be vigilant of charity fraudsters who may exploit the vulnerability of some for their own gain by setting up fake fundraisers to steal donations intended for the victims.

Consumer Protection has issued a warning, stating that while no scam reports related to the bushfire clean-up have been received yet, it is 'only a matter of time'.

'Heartless scammers are known to capitalise on the vulnerable by pretending to raise money via fake websites and social media posts,' Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake said.

View attachment 36089

Scammers may take advantage of those donating to bushfire victims. Image source: Freepik.

'These cruel scams not only steal money from the generous donors who want to help, but they also take away much-needed funds from the victims of these disasters as well.'

Scammers may approach potential victims via unsolicited emails and text messages, claiming to be raising money for individual victims or the community.

The commissioner advised those who receive such a message to avoid clicking on any links and to never hand over personal data, such as phone numbers or bank details.

'The best way to avoid being scammed and ensure your donations get to the people who need it most is to only donate to licensed charities,' Ms Blake added.

'Donors should also be aware that online platforms charge a fee for their services, which in some cases can significantly impact the value of your donation.'

'Face-to-face collectors must also have an identity badge or document naming the charity and WA licence number, and they need to issue a receipt.'

The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF), a long-running disaster relief fund operating in Western Australia since 1961, is a trusted avenue for donations.

The fund was activated on Sunday by City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, and has released an initial relief payment of $5000 to each affected home.

Homes that have been categorised as suffering 'major damage' will have access to an additional initial relief payment of $3000 per home.

Mr Zempilas stated that the early payments would help residents in the city's north secure temporary housing after the blaze.

'The events of this week have been distressing for everyone and we know the WA community again wants to show their support for those who need it urgently,' he added.

'The LMDRF is the place the people of WA have always trusted to be able to ensure their donation goes directly to those who need it.'

Firefighters in the state successfully contained the Mariginiup bushfire on Sunday, allowing for the reopening of roads affected by the blaze.

Incident controller Clinton Kuchel of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services reported that firefighters had managed to protect at least 280 homes from the fire.

Key Takeaways

• A devastating bushfire in Mariginiup, on Perth's northern fringe, has destroyed homes and businesses.
• Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake warned about the prevalence of scams following such disasters, with perpetrators often posing as fundraisers on fake websites and social media posts.
• Ms Blake urged individuals to donate only to licensed charities and to be mindful of unsolicited emails and texts requesting donations or personal information.
• The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund, a disaster relief fund operating in Western Australia since 1961, has been activated to assist those impacted, with early payments being used to help residents find temporary accommodation.

If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Scamwatch. By doing so, you'll be helping to protect others in your community from falling victim to the same scam.

You may also stay updated on the latest scams through our own Scam Watch forum.

Have you or someone you know been targeted by a charity scam? Share your experiences and tips for staying safe in the comments below. Your insights could help protect others in our community.

Old news again

 

[Tipsy]

The recent bushfire in Mariginiup, on Perth’s northern fringe, has been a source of immense heartache and pain for the local people, as some homes and businesses were ultimately destroyed.

However, Australians must also be vigilant of charity fraudsters who may exploit the vulnerability of some for their own gain by setting up fake fundraisers to steal donations intended for the victims.

Consumer Protection has issued a warning, stating that while no scam reports related to the bushfire clean-up have been received yet, it is 'only a matter of time'.

'Heartless scammers are known to capitalise on the vulnerable by pretending to raise money via fake websites and social media posts,' Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake said.

View attachment 36089

Scammers may take advantage of those donating to bushfire victims. Image source: Freepik.

'These cruel scams not only steal money from the generous donors who want to help, but they also take away much-needed funds from the victims of these disasters as well.'

Scammers may approach potential victims via unsolicited emails and text messages, claiming to be raising money for individual victims or the community.

The commissioner advised those who receive such a message to avoid clicking on any links and to never hand over personal data, such as phone numbers or bank details.

'The best way to avoid being scammed and ensure your donations get to the people who need it most is to only donate to licensed charities,' Ms Blake added.

'Donors should also be aware that online platforms charge a fee for their services, which in some cases can significantly impact the value of your donation.'

'Face-to-face collectors must also have an identity badge or document naming the charity and WA licence number, and they need to issue a receipt.'

The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF), a long-running disaster relief fund operating in Western Australia since 1961, is a trusted avenue for donations.

The fund was activated on Sunday by City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, and has released an initial relief payment of $5000 to each affected home.

Homes that have been categorised as suffering 'major damage' will have access to an additional initial relief payment of $3000 per home.

Mr Zempilas stated that the early payments would help residents in the city's north secure temporary housing after the blaze.

'The events of this week have been distressing for everyone and we know the WA community again wants to show their support for those who need it urgently,' he added.

'The LMDRF is the place the people of WA have always trusted to be able to ensure their donation goes directly to those who need it.'

Firefighters in the state successfully contained the Mariginiup bushfire on Sunday, allowing for the reopening of roads affected by the blaze.

Incident controller Clinton Kuchel of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services reported that firefighters had managed to protect at least 280 homes from the fire.

Key Takeaways

• A devastating bushfire in Mariginiup, on Perth's northern fringe, has destroyed homes and businesses.
• Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake warned about the prevalence of scams following such disasters, with perpetrators often posing as fundraisers on fake websites and social media posts.
• Ms Blake urged individuals to donate only to licensed charities and to be mindful of unsolicited emails and texts requesting donations or personal information.
• The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund, a disaster relief fund operating in Western Australia since 1961, has been activated to assist those impacted, with early payments being used to help residents find temporary accommodation.

If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Scamwatch. By doing so, you'll be helping to protect others in your community from falling victim to the same scam.

You may also stay updated on the latest scams through our own Scam Watch forum.

Have you or someone you know been targeted by a charity scam? Share your experiences and tips for staying safe in the comments below. Your insights could help protect others in our community.

Even the Legitimate ones keep more than HALF of what gets donated, They say its for admin costs... yea righto, Did you know that the world CEO of one of the major so-called charities gets over a million dollars a year in salary and that has to come from some where....