Australia fire victims targeted by scammers offering to help before stealing cash
24 December 2019
Published by https://www.thesun.co.uk
AUSTRALIA – VICTIMS of Australia’s bushfire crisis have been targeted by scammers offering emergency relief in an attempt to steal their money.
Record temperatures and strong winds have in recent months spurred devastating wildfire’s across the Australian continent.
At least nine people have died and 800 buildings have been destroyed as firefighters have struggled to contain the blazes’ spread.
But South Australia state police have now said many of those affected have begun receiving phone calls from fraudsters pretending to be from their bank.
The callers are reportedly claiming to want to send victims financial help in an attempt to obtain personal information.
A statement from South Australia police said: “They were told the bank would like to provide them with some disaster relief funds and wanted their bank details to deposit money into their accounts.
“Police wish to remind the public not to disclose your bank details to anyone over the phone.”
It added that calls had been received by people not even in the bush fire regions, and asked anyone who received a call to contact police.
The hills surrounding South Australia’s state capital, Adelaide, have been among the areas worst hit by the fires.
The region has lost 87 homes and 500 other buildings and has suffered millions of dollars worth of damage.
Hundreds of vehicles, livestock, and crops – particularly the region’s wine industry – have also been devastated.
STATE RELIEF FUND ANNOUNCED
Today, state premier Steven Marshall announced a State Emergency Relief Fund to help victims.
The fund has been kickstarted with a $1 millon (£535,000) donation from the state government, while those who have not been affected are being encouraged to donate.
A statement said: “We know South Australians give generously in tough times and we’re encouraging South Australian businesses and community members to consider making a donation.
“Every little bit helps – no matter how big or small.
“The loss of property and land across the state has been immense and in the coming months, the community can use financial donations to help rebuild and get back on their feet.”
Across the country, some three millions hectares – an area the size of Belgium – has been scorched.
In the neighbouring state of New South Wales, fires continue to tear through the national parks surrounding Sydney.
Speaking at a press conference at the weekend, Shane Fitzsimmons, the state’s Rural Fire Service commissioner, said: “We will not get on top of these fires until we get some decent rain.”
The government’s Bureau of Meteorology has said that no significant rainfall is forecast in the country over the next couple of months.
