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In the aftermath of natural disasters like Cyclone Alfred, there is often a surge in fraudulent activity targeting those seeking help or offering support. Scammers take advantage of the urgency and confusion that follow these events, using various schemes to collect money or personal information.
"When a natural disaster strikes, things can move pretty fast. People are anxious and looking for help, and others are looking to give assistance," said Benjamin Young, head of fraud prevention at Westpac.
Young said that this environment often leads people to make hasty decisions without their usual caution, creating ideal conditions for scams.
According to Westpac, scams following disasters commonly fall into three categories: fake charities, false assistance offers, and counterfeit sellers. Each of these tactics relies on urgency and trust to deceive potential victims.
Fraudsters often pose as legitimate charitable organisations to solicit donations. These scams may be entirely fabricated or impersonate well-known charities. Requests for contributions may come through text messages, phone calls, social media, or, in some cases, door-to-door visits.
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Authorities advise individuals to verify any charity through official government platforms before making a donation. Scammers can create convincing replicas of real organisations, complete with authentic-sounding hold music and the names of actual employees.
There have also been cases where scammers impersonate government agencies offering financial support. Fraudsters may direct victims to fake websites that request personal information under the guise of grant applications. Consumers are urged to contact agencies directly using official contact information instead of responding to unsolicited communications.
Supply shortages during natural disasters create opportunities for fraudulent sellers. Scammers often advertise in-demand items through online marketplaces but fail to deliver once payment is made. This pattern occurs year-round but tends to increase during crises when basic goods become scarce.
Experts recommend purchasing from reputable sources and exercising caution with unfamiliar sellers, particularly when prices or offers appear urgent.
Westpac warns that scammers are adopting increasingly sophisticated methods. Social media advertisements can lead to fake websites and may feature fabricated images, false celebrity endorsements, or altered videos of official statements.
Consumers are advised not to click on links from unsolicited messages. Instead, they should independently verify the organisation’s contact information and call directly. When uncertain, individuals can request a reference number and confirm the caller’s legitimacy through official channels.
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Government resources are available to check the credentials of charities and report suspicious activities.
"Natural disasters cause plenty of upheaval all by themselves, and it's normal to want to reach out for help. But exercising caution could save you additional distress," said Young.
What steps do you take to protect yourself from scams during emergencies? Share your insights below.
