The national charities regulator is warning people to beware of scam requests for money in the wake of the New South Wales floods after news emerged of a fake raffle being spruiked to raise funds for emergency services.
The NSW state emergency service warned of the plot on its Facebook page on Tuesday. “The NSW SES does NOT request donations from the public,” it said. “If you are receiving calls of this nature, please be advised it is a scam.
“Please be aware we have had more reports of people receiving phone calls from individuals identifying themselves as NSW SES members running a raffle to support volunteers and aid logistical needs of the floods. The NSW SES is NOT operating any raffles and would never do so for these reasons.”
Several social media users posted their disgust at the scammers, while others said they had received calls but were suspicious of the timing, which coincided with the SES’s busiest period.
“We had a call today! Thought it was weird they had time to ask in the middle of this craziness,” one person wrote.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission said there were steps people could take if they were suspicious of a request for money, including searching the charity register and always asking for identification.
“Australians are renowned for their generosity, donating billions of dollars to charity every year,” said the commissioner, Susan Pascoe. “It is shocking that there are scammers out there prepared to take advantage of the public’s generous nature.
“Members of the public can be assured that other charities assisting those affected by the storm in NSW are legitimate by searching the charity register.”
The Insurance Council of Australia estimates that losses from the storms will exceed $129m. About 19,500 claims had been lodged with insurance companies by 7am on Wednesday morning.
“Though most claims so far have been for low-level property damage, mainly from water and wind damage to homes and damage to cars, insurers are also receiving claims for severe damage to houses and roofs,” said the council’s chief executive, Rob Wheelan. “Claims are also being received for stormwater inundation.
“I expect these numbers will rise quickly as home owners and businesses assess the damage to their properties and lodge claims with their insurer or through their insurance broker.”
