Scammers surface amid the Queensland flood crisis

We haven't seen any email versions of these scams yet but it's only a matter of time before they start showing up. According to this article from the Sydney Herald, there are already scammers using phone calls and SMS messages for scams connected to this tragedy.

Anyone wanting to donate, please check with Australia's ScamWatch for more information http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/ind ... mId/693900
and also visit the site referenced in the article: http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/

Article copied from here: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weath ... 19pqs.html

Scammers surface amid the Queensland flood crisis
Chalpat Sonti
January 14, 2011 - 2:34PM

Consumer protection authorities have warned that a regular after-effect of tragedies such as the Queensland floods could be about to start up again.

As millions of dollars pour in to the official flood relief appeal, authorities have warned those making donations to be wary of emails, websites, phone callers, or door-to-door collectors seeking funds.

There have already been early reports of scammers calling people - and claiming to be from the NSW SES - seeking money. The SES has launched an investigation.


And a Perth resident has reported receiving an SMS which has the hallmarks of a classic "advance fee fraud scam", WA Consumer Protection says.

The text read: "CENTRELINK HAS PROCESSED YOUR AUSTRALIAN DISASTER RECOVERY PAYMENT, PAYMENT WILL BE MADE TO YOUR ACCT W/IN 48 HRS". It also left a phone number to call to confirm details.

Consumer Protection associations and charities manager Will Morgan said anyone calling the phone number was likely to be eventually persuaded to hand over bank account details, or send funds to another bank account.

"They won't go into it straight away, they will have a chat with you, empathise with you, and once they feel they've got got you in the right mood...'" he said.

It is a depressing repeat for authorities, who see similar scams after every natural disaster.

"Sadly experience tells us that whenever there's a tragedy like this there will be devious people who take advantage of the goodwill to try to make a fast buck," WA consumer protection commissioner Anne Driscoll said.

"We've seen it during the 2010 Haiti earthquake and 2009 bushfires of 2009."

Mr Morgan said scammers used two characteristics to fleece their victims - a degree of credibility and a hook.

"The hook is we want to help others, and the credibility comes from that there are charities out there collecting donations.

"I guess it's a sad reality of the modern world we live in. We've got to be alert and we can't just take everything at face value. Most of the time we are alert but this time maybe we want to jump in and do something quickly."

The federal government's Scamwatch program issued a similar warning.

Charity scams operated in a number of different ways, including street collectors, fake websites made up to look similar to those of legitimate charities, phone, fake letters, or email.

"Not only do these scams cost people money, they also divert much needed donations away from legitimate charities and causes," Scamwatch said.

Ms Driscoll said the best way to find out how to donate to the Queensland flood appeal was through the Queensland Premier's official website.

Those donations could be made through an online secure payment system, internet bank transfer, a toll-free number, mail, or in person at designated banks.

Anyone wanting to donate to the Carnarvon flood appeal or to victims of the Lake Clifton bushfires should do so through the Perth Lord Mayor's distress relief fund.

"Go to the charities rather than them coming to you," Mr Morgan said.

And anyone in WA who wanted to raise funds for charity needed to get a permit, Ms Driscoll said.

"Seeing the devastation the floods have caused in Queensland will move many people to pick up a tin and go out collecting, but to do this you need a street appeal permit. This will give donors certainty that they are dealing with a genuine fundraiser."

The victims of the flooding in Queensland, Australia are being targeted by scams. Scammers are emailing with supposed offers to expedite relief monies, etc.

http://city-news.whereilive.com.au/news ... -scammers/

Police warn of flood scammers
Crime18 Jan 11 @ 10:28am by Taryn Davis

POLICE have warned of a growing number of scams in the wake of severe flooding across Queensland.
There have been reports of several scams operating across Queensland and police are urging the community to continue with their generosity, but to take a moment and check who they are donating to.
``International fraudsters prey on the goodwill of people during a crisis such as the Queensland floods and are experts in quickly establishing authentic websites and delivering believable emails that contain 99% fact in their content,’’ Detective Superintendent Brian Hay from the Fraud and Coporate Crime Group said.
``These fraudulent devices are designed to illicit identity, financial and credit card details from unsuspecting members of the public who are simply looking to support flood victims.’’
Members of the public must also be aware of any phone calls they receive from businesses purporting to be associated with the government’s flood relief efforts.
Reports have been received of scammers who claim to be from a business who, for a fee of $200 will lodge and fast track all government relief applications, but police have advised this does not exist.
``Any person who has responded to an email like this needs to contact their financial institutions to cancel their bank and credit card account and should considering registering with a credit rating organisation to have their credit status monitored.’‘
Any person looking to engage tradesmen or cleaning services to assist in the recovery of their premises need to be wary of unscrupulous people offering their services for a discounted rate that requires cash up-front.
If you have information which could assist in an investigation contact CrimeStoppers 24 hours a day on 1800 333 000.

And just a little footnote that may be of interest.
Scammers are also likely to target victims in surveys, trapping them into revealing what they had lost and their bank and insurance information.
In six to eight weeks victims may receive another call from someone seeking to verify that information and seemingly coming from an official source.
Queensland Police also warned people to ignore spam emails purporting to be from charities.

Bogus websites were bound to appear. It only took six hours after the Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand before such websites appeared.
Locally, scammers have been doorknocking flood victims offering help on the condition cash is paid upfront.
Residents have been advised never to pay in cash or upfront, and to ensure that they use licensed tradespeople.
"These people will put your cash in their pocket and disappear, or they'll do half a job or a shoddy performance and then disappear," a Police spokesman said.