Charity scams use fake charities, copied identities, or false fundraising campaigns to collect donations. They often appear during disasters, emergencies, or major news events.

• An unsolicited request by phone, email, text, social media, or door-to-door contact.
• Pressure to donate immediately or guilt-based emotional appeals.
• Requests for cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or direct transfer.
• Little information about the charity, its purpose, or how donations are used.

• Verify the organisation through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission register.
• Visit the charity or fundraising platform directly instead of following an unsolicited link.
• Use a secure payment method with transaction protections.
• Keep receipts and report suspicious campaigns to the relevant authorities.