Beware of bushfire scams: how fraudsters take advantage of those in need
Cassandra Cross · 2020
There’s been an overwhelming outpouring of love and support around the world for those impacted by the bushfires, from social-media donation drives to music concerts to authors auctioning off their books. Sadly, but unsurprisingly, we’ve also seen a number of scams directed at those who want to help, as well as victims of the fires. In recent days, the ACCC set up a hotline dedicated to the reporting of scams associated with the bushfire crisis. The agency notes some 86 scams have been reported since the fires started in September – and counting. While it’s difficult to believe offenders would seek to profit from other people’s generosity and heartache, this is entirely to be expected.