With the festive season nearly upon us, ’tis the season for online scams.
The Financial and Cyber Crime Group are reminding Queenslanders to be aware of Grinch-like scammers and be sure to stay alert to scams, such as fake charities or fundraising scams.
Be on the lookout for scammers trying to take advantage of goodwill by pretending to be a charity or good cause online.
Scammers may set up fake websites or crowdfunding appeals in an attempt to steal money.
It is best to donate to causes where you have done due diligence such as independent research and where you know and trust the organisation.
Detective Inspector Vince Byrnes from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group said to be aware of scam charity email and websites as they may use official looking logos and words which make them look genuine.
“Always check that a website is legitimate before donating,” Detective Inspector Byrnes said.
“The QPS encourages you to approach legitimate charity organisations directly to make a donation or offer support.”
For information on fake websites, phishing scams, parcel delivery scams, fake seller/buyer scams, puppy scams, free gift cards, holiday scams and impersonation scams, click on the links below:
To learn more about scams, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au or the Queensland Police Service’s R U in Control campaign at www.police.qld.gov.au/safety-and-preventing-crime/r-u-in-control.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
