Christmas is a time for giving – to the right people
Posted by editor (editor) on Dec 12 2009
2009 >>

Queenslanders digging deep for a good cause around Christmas time are warned against unwittingly donating to bogus charities.

Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said the Office of Fair Trading on the Gold Coast recently received complaints about people collecting money under false pretences.

“This is a timely reminder to Queenslanders that as we lead into Christmas there might be more fake charities cashing in on people’s generosity and goodwill,” Mr Lawlor said.

“These dodgy operators go out of their way to pull on the heart strings and pocket the money of honest people wanting to help the less fortunate.”

Mr Lawlor said scammers operating under the ruse of a charity may try to collect via email, the internet or even at your door.

"If you do want to give, you could consider going directly to a reputable charity's website,” Mr Lawlor said.

“If donating online, check the site is secure and that the organisation's contact details and functions are clear.

"Don't be fooled by an organisation if its name or site address differs even slightly from a reputable agency, and if in doubt consider a different method of donation.

"Alternatively, source a charity's phone number directly from the phone book and contact them to find out the most effective and safe ways to donate to the appeal.”

Mr Lawlor said legitimate street and door-to-door charity collectors must wear prominent ID such as an armlet or badge and be able to produce written authority from the association for which they claim to be collecting.

“They should also issue receipts, unless a collection box is used or the donation is given in exchange for a promotional item such as a badge, emblem, pen or artificial flower,” he said.

Mr Lawlor said Christmas was the time for giving and that there were many worthy organisations working hard to raise funds to offer help, aid, relief, care or other community support.

“Most charities and organisations appealing for assistance are bona fide and do the right thing by passing on the money to the causes they are intended for,” he said.

“Don’t be discouraged from donating, just beware of dodgy scammers wanting to top up their own personal Christmas funds.”

People with suspicions about a collector can contact the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04.

Last changed: Jan 07 2010 at 2:03 PM