The federal consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has released new figures showing that the amount stolen by fake charities has doubled in the last year.
Over $411K was stolen in 2019, sky-rocketing to almost double the $211K snatched in 2018. Queensland was the worst affected state, with nearly $150K rorted by thieves.
The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association, which represents 50 genuine Australian charities, is calling on state consumer protection bodies and the police to do more to help.
Commenting on the figures, CEO Peter Hills-Jones said: “This money was meant to help real people in real need, but instead it’s being siphoned off by heartless criminals. While we understand resources are limited, we aren’t aware of any prosecutions of these people – they’re getting away red handed”.
In a further blow to public confidence, over 65’s have been hardest hit by the crooks, who suffered the greatest losses of any age group. The crims have also gone digital, with the internet, email, apps and texts accounting for over 75% of all scams.
Hills-Jones added: “Some of the most generous, and in some cases vulnerable, people in the country
are clearly in the online crosshairs of these fraudsters and we need the authorities to start running them down”.
The PFRA is today calling on the public to donate only to reputable charities and to check they are members of the PFRA as a sign you can safely donate your dollars.
The regulatory body is also calling on the public to report any suspicions to the federal consumer watchdog directly.
Hills-Jones concluded: “Public fundraisers, meeting real people face-to-face, is one of the safest ways to donate. Look for the PFRA logo and ID number on their badge and donate with confidence”.