As residents of Lismore and the Northern Rivers know only too well after the experiences of the 2022 big flood, the NSW Government is urging people to remain vigilant when donating to recovery efforts in the midst of severe flooding across the Hunter region, Mid North, and North Coast of New South Wales.

As communities recover and rebuild, authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the situation through fake fundraising appeals.

NSW Fair Trading is reminding the public to take simple precautions to ensure their donations are going to legitimate causes.

This includes checking the charity is registered and has a valid fundraising authority, and being cautious of unsolicited donation requests via phone, email, or social media.

Scammers often impersonate well-known charities or create fake websites and social media pages to deceive people into giving money.

These scams can be particularly convincing in the aftermath of natural disasters, when emotions are high and the desire to help is strong.

Consumers are encouraged to:

• Check the charity’s registration on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) website: https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities

• Look up the organisation on the NSW Fair Trading Charitable Fundraising Register: https://verify.licence.nsw.gov.au/home/Charities

• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages or emails.

• Report suspected scams to Scamwatch or contact NSW Fair Trading: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

The NSW Government continues to work closely with local councils and community organisations to support recovery efforts.

People looking to donate items such as food or clothing or make a financial contribution are also encouraged to visit the GIVIT website here: https://www.givit.org.au/take-action/ways-to-give/give-against-an-appeal/new-south-wales-flooding

GIVIT is a non-profit organisation partnering with the NSW Government to support communities impacted by flooding and ensure support reaches those who need it most.

People should not collect, send, or drop off donations in disaster-affected areas.

Despite the best intentions, unsolicited goods can overwhelm recovery operations and divert resources away from critical tasks.

For NSW Government resources to help you during and after floods, visit: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/publications/natural-disasters

For more information on fundraising for a disaster, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/charitable-fundraising/fundraising-for-a-disaster

To donate through GIVIT, please visit: https://www.givit.org.au/take-action/ways-to-give/give-against-an-appeal/new-south-wales-flooding

Acting Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Paul Scully said, “The generosity shown by people across NSW in response to the floods has already been extraordinary.

“But sadly, we know that scammers are quick to take advantage of these moments.

“Before you donate, take a moment to verify the fundraiser at verify.licence.nsw.gov.au, or donate through givit.org.au.

“A few simple checks can make all the difference in ensuring your support goes to those who truly need it.

“We want to make sure that every dollar donated goes to helping people rebuild their lives and not into the hands of fraudsters.”

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “In the wake of natural disasters, people from all around our state want to lend a hand, but we want to make sure support is reaching those who need it most and not getting in the way of the recovery effort. 

“Please do not send or drop off donations in disaster-affected areas. We appreciate that people want to help, but often it just gets in the way.

“Please consider donating through a reputable charity you feel comfortable with.”