News & alerts

SCAMwatch and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) are reminding people to beware of scammers pretending to represent a charity or not-for-profit organisation.

SCAMwatch is warning consumers to be alert to scammers looking to take advantage of the Boston marathon explosions with malware or donation scams.

The operators behind a scam targeting small businesses with false claims about advertising services for publications with a philanthropic slant have been ordered to pay $750,000 in penalties following court action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

SCAMwatch is urging consumers considering donating to help those affected by the summer bushfires to make sure that their money goes to a legitimate charity, cause or appeal.

SCAMwatch and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government are warning Australians of scammers who call offering fake government grants.

Consumers are urged to beware of scammers who call offering rebates on energy efficient initiatives.

If you receive a call or email claiming you’re entitled to reclaim overpaid tax or bank fees, ignore it – these scams are doing the rounds.

The recent volcanic eruption in Iceland resulted in thousands of flights cancelled and travel plans disrupted.

SCAMwatch has joined with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change and the Commonwealth Grants Commission to warn consumers about anyone who approaches them with the offer of ‘grants for climate change’ or other government grants.

Australians eager to help the nation of Haiti recover from the earthquake that struck on 12 January 2010 are being warned to be alert and ensure that they are not taken in by scammers.