6 Mar 2025
Blogs
As Cyclone Alfred approaches the SE QLD region, AUSCERT wants to remind its members that, in the wake of natural disasters, scammers can often exploit the vulnerability of those affected.
Fraudulent activities can range from door-to-door scams to phone, text, mail, and email schemes. These fraudsters take advantage of the chaos and desperation following such events, frequently targeting individuals seeking disaster relief, insurance claims, or opportunities to assist others.
To mitigate the risk of fraud during Cyclone Alfred and any post-cyclone recovery efforts, residents and those intending to donate to charities can take several key actions.
Be cautious of scams following a disaster. Government agencies, like Services Australia and MyGov, will never ask for any sensitive information over the phone, so hang up and call their official number if in doubt. Phone scams may use caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate, so always verify calls independently.
For insurance scams, never provide personal information until you have verified the contact directly with your provider. If contractors claim to be insurance partners, ensure they are licensed and insured by checking with local authorities.
When donating to charities, only support trusted charities and verify their legitimacy through official websites. Be cautious with charity phone numbers, emails, or crowdfunding platforms, as scammers may pose as fake charities or misrepresent campaigns.
Please see [1] and [2] for further information.
Stay safe!
REFERENCES
[1] Avoid scams and fraud – https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/avoid-scams-and-fraud-when-claiming-natural-disaster-support
[2] Avoid fundraising scams after an emergency – https://www.vic.gov.au/avoid-fundraising-scams-after-emergency
