The online tricks terrorists use to dupe ordinary Aussies
Federal police have warned Australians that terrorist organizations are posing as charities online to solicit donations and transfer money overseas.
The Australian Federal Police Joint Threat Funding Group said it was aware terrorists were using fake charity credentials to persuade unwitting Australians to contribute to their cause.
AFP said the donations were disguised as legal contributions but financed terrorist activities.
“Terrorist organizations posing as charities is a long-standing tactic used to defraud people of their money and fund terrorist activities,” Deputy Commissioner Stephen Nutt said.
“These terrorist groups don’t care how they get financial support or whether they exploit the goodwill of ordinary people.
“If you are donating money, make sure it is to an established and registered charity that runs verified appeals.”
Funding and financing terrorism is a crime under Commonwealth law.
AFP has urged ordinary Australians to do due diligence on where their donations go.
They recommend using Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission records to check whether a charity is registered.
The register also lists where the charity works and who it benefits.
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Center deputy chief Dr John Moss said terrorist organizations were taking advantage of people’s goodwill to solicit donations to fund terrorist activities.
“AUSTRAC works closely with our partners through JTFG to identify suspicious fund flows and prevent them from reaching terrorist organizations overseas,” Dr Moss said.
