12 Dec How to Avoid Charity Scams This Festive Season

Protect Your Generosity: How to Avoid Charity Scams This Festive Season

As the giving season approaches, Australians are urged to remain vigilant against fake charity appeals that prey on generosity during the festive period.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has issued a timely warning about scammers exploiting goodwill. With many Australians opening their hearts and wallets to support those in need, it’s crucial to ensure your donation reaches legitimate charities.

Scammers Target the Festive Spirit

ACNC Commissioner Sue Woodward AM highlights the seriousness of the issue. “Financial losses are significant. Scamwatch reports over a million dollars lost to fake charity scams in the past five years, and that’s only the cases officially reported,” she said.

Scammers often use text messages, emails, and phone calls to impersonate charities. Their goal? To pressure you into providing financial details or clicking on fraudulent links.

How to Stay Safe

To protect yourself and your donations, the ACNC advises a few simple steps:

• Pause Before Donating: Avoid making quick decisions. Never click on links in unsolicited messages or give out your banking details, name, or personal information.
• Check the Charity Register: Use the ACNC’s Charity Register to verify the organization’s legitimacy. Legitimate charities listed here are transparent and accountable, submitting regular reports about their work.
• Donate Safely: Always click through to the charity’s website directly from the Register for secure donation methods.

“Taking just a moment to verify a charity can make a huge difference,” Ms. Woodward said. “The Register also allows you to search for charities based on your interests—whether it’s food programs, local community work, or nationwide initiatives.”

The Cost of Scams

Fake charity scams don’t just steal money; they also divert funds away from genuine causes, leaving real charities struggling to support those in need. With the rising cost of living and other pressures, Australian charities play a vital role in providing food parcels, shelter, and festive meals to vulnerable communities.

Join the GivingTuesday Movement

The ACNC also supports GivingTuesday, a global campaign promoting generosity. “Australians are incredibly giving, especially during the holidays,” Ms. Woodward added. “We encourage everyone to support real charities, but a quick check on the Charity Register can ensure your donation truly makes a difference.”

Quick Tips to Avoid Charity Scams

• Verify the charity on the ACNC Charity Register.
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited texts, social media posts, or emails.
• Use the contact information found on the Charity Register to reach out directly.
• Never share personal or financial details over the phone.

This holiday season, let your generosity shine but stay alert. By taking a few precautions, you can help ensure your donations support those who genuinely need them.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is the national charity regulator, overseeing 60,000 charities on the Charity Register.

Scamwatch, led by the National Anti-scam Centre, has more tips on how to avoid scams.