WATCH OUT, SCAMMERS ABOUT: Check the Charity Register before donating.
Aussies are a generous lot, always ready to put their hands in their pockets for a worthy cause.
But as we dig deep this Christmas, the nation’s charity regulator has issued a warning about charity scammers.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission says too many of us are being fooled by scammers that pretend to be a charity with losses to fake charities rising over the past months.
“Financial losses officially reported to mid October this year are already higher than the whole of last year, said Commissioner Gary Johns.
“As we emerge from lockdowns and head into the Christmas and festive season, naturally we want to be generous and support Australian charities, especially after all they have done to help us get through the past couple of years. We know many Australians are still doing it tough and will turn to them for a Christmas lunch, food for the pantry or a gift for their child. They truly deserve our support.
“Checking our online Charity Register is a simple way to make sure your money goes to a real charity that does great work. You can instantly verify an organisation’s credentials and know your dollar is going to help the people or project you want it to help.”
According to Scamwatch $133,770 was reported lost to scammers to October 17, 2021, compared with $133, 214 for the whole of 2020.
“We know reported scams are just the tip of the iceberg as often people don’t know they have…
