Queensland govt issues warning over bogus online tsunami appeals
Queensland govt issues warning over bogus online tsunami appeals
Jan 10, 2005: Queenslanders loooking to offer their assistance to the tsunami relief effort through financial contributions should be aware of bogus charity appeals operating on the Internet, the state government has warned.
Queensland's Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech said there had been international reports of emails making bogus claims of collecting donations for the Boxing Day tsunami victims, adding that there was a danger that similar scams may be perpetratred in Queensland.
"Tragedies like the Asian tsunami inspire human compassion around the word as we rally to help those in need, but unfortunately they also spark the interest of crooks who will try to take advantage of people's generosity towards victims," she said.
"There have been reports in the United States of bogus emails claiming to be from legitimate charities and asking people to provide their credit card details for donations. It may only be a matter of time before we see them here, so the Beattie Government is warning all Queenslanders to beware."
Keech said scammers use reputable organisations' logos on emails to gain the trust of unsuspecting recipients.
"Honest people think they're donating hard-earned money to a good cause, but end up lining the pockets of these crooks," she said.
"If you do want to donate online, make sure you go directly to a reputable charity's website. Before you provide your credit card details check the site is secure and that you can clearly see the organisation's contact details and functions.
"Don't be fooled by an organisation that's name or site address differs even slightly from a reputable agency, and if in doubt consider a different method of donation."
Mrs Keech said appeals coordinated by legitimate organisations such as the Australian Red Cross, CARE Australia, World Vision and UNICEF offer a variety of collection points such as banks or local supermarkets.
"Alternatively, source a charity's phone number directly from the phone book and contact them to find out the most effective and safe ways to donate to the appeal," she said.
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