In the aftermath of natural disasters, the Australian spirit of mateship shines through.

Communities come together to offer support for those affected by any disaster.

However, it could also be a time when suspicious people see an opportunity to prey on the vulnerable.


With the recent impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred on Queensland and New South Wales, authorities re-issued a stark warning among Australians.

Scammers have targeted Australians during times of crisis, and the tactics they use could be particularly insidious.

In times of dire need, scammers tend to sell counterfeit products to fish money from citizens in need.


Meanwhile, some scammers resort to fraudulent fundraisers to earn people's sympathy and take their hard-earned money later on.

Others also impersonate government agencies like Centrelink or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to steal money or information from unsuspecting victims.

Ben Young, Westpac's Head of Fraud Prevention, urged Aussies to be on 'high alert' over the coming days.


'Unfortunately, we can see a surge in scam cases following significant events, as people seek genuine support and are focused on the recovery of their family and friends,' Mr Young explained.

Scammers exploit the community's immediate needs during a disaster.

Targets of these scams often do not realise that they are being duped until it's too late—when they cannot retrieve their money anymore.

To protect yourself and to make sure donations reach those who genuinely need it, it's crucial to exercise caution with unsolicited contact.

Avoid clicking on any links and take the time to verify the legitimacy of anyone asking or offering donations.


The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) could also be an excellent resource for those who want to check the authenticity of charities and fundraisers.

The Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) also highlighted that criminals could pose as representatives from government agencies or private entities.

Scammers pretending to be from Centrelink or the ATO tend to offer fictitious rebates or cash handouts in time of need.

While it’s true that Centrelink is offering disaster relief of up to $1,000, scammers often use this as leverage to steal personal information from unsuspecting victims.

Here are additional tips to help you stay safe from scams:

• Always verify the identity of the contact person through an independent source, such as a phone book or online search.
• Be sceptical of requests for donations or offers of help that came from unexpected sources.
• Keep your computer or phone's security software up to date. Be wary of any emails or messages that contain links or attachments.
• If you suspect you have encountered a scam, immediately report it to Scamwatch or the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry, especially during distressing times.
If you have any concerns or stories about scams you've encountered, please share them with us in the comments below. Your insights could help a fellow Aussie avoid a scam, especially during the aftermath of a storm.