What’s happening?
As the festive season approaches, Australians are being warned to remain vigilant against fake charity appeals.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is urging the public to verify the legitimacy of charities via the Charity Register before donating.
Commissioner Sue Woodward AM highlighted the importance of being cautious when approached by unsolicited calls, texts, or emails requesting donations.
Why it matters?
The festive season is a time of generosity, and many legitimate charities rely on public support to assist those in need.
However, scammers exploit this goodwill, causing financial losses and diverting crucial resources away from those who need them most.
The ACNC emphasises that verifying charities can ensure donations reach genuine causes, making a meaningful impact.
Local Impact
Australian charities are working tirelessly to support communities amid rising cost-of-living pressures, providing essentials such as food, shelter, and festive meals.
The ACNC’s Charity Register offers an accessible way to identify and donate to charities operating locally or nationally.
By the numbers:
– Over the past five years, more than $1 million has been lost to reported fake charity scams, according to Scamwatch.
– The ACNC oversees 60,000 charities listed on the Charity Register, ensuring transparency and accountability.
– Unreported financial losses to fake charities are likely significantly higher, compounding the issue.
Zoom In
Commissioner Sue Woodward AM advises Australians to pause before responding to donation requests:
“If you get a text, email, or phone call asking for a donation, just pause for a moment. Don’t click on the link, don’t give your banking details, and don’t say your name.”
Instead, she recommends using the ACNC Charity Register to confirm legitimacy.
The ACNC supports GivingTuesday, a global campaign encouraging generosity, and urges Australians to check the Register to ensure their donations go to genuine causes.
“The sector depends on our generosity to provide people with shelter, food parcels, a festive meal, and so much more,” Ms Woodward said.
Zoom Out
Fake charity scams are part of a broader issue of fraudulent activities exploiting public goodwill.
Scamwatch, led by the National Anti-scam Centre, provides additional tips for avoiding scams.
This highlights the importance of national and global efforts to enhance transparency and build trust in charitable giving.
What to look for next?
Australians are encouraged to participate in GivingTuesday by supporting legitimate charities through verified channels.
The ACNC advises checking the Charity Register for details on registered charities and safe donation methods.
This giving season, make your generosity count by ensuring your donations support genuine causes.
Visit the ACNC Charity Register to verify charities and contribute safely.
