While Queenslanders and folks in northern New South Wales brace themselves for Cyclone Alfred’s full effects to hit the south-east coast this weekend, scammers are using this opportunity to exploit the anxieties felt all across the country with fake fundraisers and hoaxes.
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has warned the public to keep an eye out for scams, after reports of fake fundraisers spread online.
“Unfortunately, the scams have started,” Saffin said.
“A scam started this morning, and I say to people, if you see somebody’s name on it that’s not well known, just ignore it.”
AusCERT, a non-profit organisation focused on providing accurate information on cybersecurity threats and is based in Queensland, said that scammers “exploit the vulnerability” of people during natural disasters.
“Be cautious of scams following a disaster,” an AusCERT blog reads.
“Government agencies, like Services Australia and MyGov, will never ask for any sensitive information over the phone, so hang up and call their official number if in doubt.
“When donating to charities, only support trusted charities and verify their legitimacy through official websites. Be cautious with charity phone numbers, emails, or crowdfunding platforms, as scammers may pose as fake charities or misrepresent campaigns.”
Projected radar of the cyclone’s movements on Saturday. (Source: Zoom Earth)
Fake texts about Energex shutting off the power are being spread
A text message was also mass-sent to folks throughout the Brisbane area, falsely stating that energy giant Energex will “shutting off the power” to the city on Thursday or Friday night.
“As a head’s up, my neighbour who lives behind me is quite high up in Energex, she has given me an FYI that they will be shutting off the power to Brisbane late Thursday night/early Friday morning,” the text read.
The fake text was mass-sent across Brisbane. (Source: WhatsApp)
An Energex representative has debunked this text, describing it as a “hoax”.
“There’s a fake/hoax text doing the rounds saying ‘someone’s neighbour’ knows someone in Energex who told them the power will be cut ahead of the cyclone hitting,” the representative said.
The spokesperson did state that power will be shut off if the storm “becomes too dangerous”.
“Once the cyclone passes, crews will begin making network damage safe, assess the damage to determine what staff and equipment is required and then begin making repairs.
“All planned maintenance work has been postponed.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said power outages have already been reported across the state, but assured people the state is working to reconnect them “as quickly as possible”.
The tropical storm is set to hit the country’s coast this Saturday, with impacts mostly being felt in Queensland’s south-east Queensland and northern NSW.
Over 800 millimetres of rain is expected to fall over this weekend, making flooding a key risk throughout the area.
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