Charity collection warning after Haiti quake

Issue Date: - Friday, 15 January 2010

Beware of bogus or unauthorised charity collections on behalf of the Haiti earthquake victims – that’s the message from Consumer Protection.

During previous disasters, such as bushfires and the 2004 Asian tsunami, Australians hoping to help have been duped by scammers who pocket donations for themselves.

Any charity collections must be done through a licensed charity and collectors acting on behalf of licensed charities need formal authorisation.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll warned Western Australians to be on their guard before generously handing over their cash.

“If you are not sure about the authenticity of a collector ask them for the contact details of the charity they are acting for so you can check,” she said.

“Better still go directly to the advertised official relief appeal charities to make your donation.

“Don’t respond to unsolicited emails or faxes requesting donations. Also be wary of links posted on internet sites like Facebook and Twitter.

“Make sure that a charitable organisation is genuine before supplying them with secure details such as your credit card number.

”Our desire to help in emotional situations like these can mean we forget to be cautious and take steps to ensure our donations are received by the rightful victims.

“I would ask people to warn their family and friends about potential charity collection scams linked to the tragedy in Haiti.”

There is a Licensed Charities Register on the Consumer Protection website: www.commerce.wa.go.au/charities

END OF RELEASE

(Consumer Protection is a division of the Department of Commerce)

Media Contact:

Alina Cavanagh 9282 0679 or 0423-846397 alina.cavanagh@commerce.wa.gov.au