By Tate Papworth
The recent bushfires that have devastated large sections of the country have showcased the giving nature of Australians.
There are currently a wide range of appeals raising funds for people and animals affected by the bushfires.
Unfortunately, some of these are scams.
According to Scamwatch, a government website set up to provide information about how to recognise, avoid and report scams, there are a number of different methods being used by scammers.
According to the site, scammers are pretending to be legitimate well-known charities, creating their own charity names, and impersonating people negatively impacted by the bushfires.
They are also cold-calling, direct messaging and creating fake websites and pages on social media to raise funds.
However the people looking to give to the bushfire appeal aren’t the only who have been targeted in recent times.
In December supermarket giant Woolworths was forced to issue an urgent alert after a sharp spike in scams aiming to trick customers by giving away free vouchers or gift cards.
People who suspect a scam can make a report on the Scamwatch website, or find more information about where to get help.
The ACCC has also set up a dedicated phone number –1300 795 995 – for the public to report bushfire related scams.
