Pakistan Disaster Scams

PAKISTAN DISASTER RELIEF SCAMS

In the wake of the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan, charity scams are beginning to emerge. Potential donors should be wary of any unsolicited approaches (usually by email) from someone purporting to be from a victim of the floods or from an organisation purporting to help the victims.

Scam emails usually request that money be deposited into a bank account or that the donor’s own bank details be supplied. The emails are a usually variation of the “Nigerian”-style scams that have been prevalent for many years and are usually scant on details about how the disaster victims will benefit. Some emails direct the recipient to a website that falsely uses the name of a genuine not-for-profit organisation but is completely bogus.

Here are some tips to avoid being scammed and to help ensure you give wisely to the disaster relief appeal:

•  Do not donate to someone who contacts you out of the blue with an unsolicited email, phone call or text message – check their credentials first.

•  Do not deposit money into a foreign bank account unless you’re absolutely sure of the recipient.

•  Do not supply your own bank details to strangers – ever.

•  Do not give or send cash to an overseas address unless you’re absolutely sure of the recipient.

•  Never press on a link in an email from an uncertain source. If you do press the link, even if the site appears genuine, do not provide any personal information.

•  Donate only to recognised organisations that are supporting the relief effort. See GiveNow for a list of genuine agencies.

•  If approached in person by someone seeking a donation, ask for identification.

► VISIT THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S SCAMwatch SITE

► GIVE NOW TO A GENUINE EMERGENCY RELIEF EFFORT ORGANISATION

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