Australians on alert for scammers after bushfire destroys 18 homes, businesses

A devastating bushfire that wreaked havoc on homes and business has sparked fears scammers might exploit fake fundraisers, as the long road to rebuilding gets underway.

Families slowly started returning to their homes in Mariginiup, on Perth’s northern fringe, this week after a bushfire destroyed 18 homes and businesses.

Consumer Protection warned that while it had not yet received any scam reports related to the clean-up, it was “only a matter of time”.

“Heartless scammers are known to capitalise on the vulnerable by pretending to raise money via fake websites and social media posts,” Commissioner Trish Blake said.

Consumer Protection warned it was “only a matter of time” before scammers struck. Wanneroo Central Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade Credit: NCA NewsWire

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“These cruel scams not only steal money from the generous donors who want to help, but they also take away much-needed funds from the victims of these disasters as well.”

Ms Blake warned scammers might approach people via unsolicited emails and text messages, purporting to be raising money for individual victims or the community.

Anyone who received such a message was encouraged to avoid clicking on any links and to never hand over personal data, including phone numbers or bank details.

“The best way to avoid being scammed and ensure your donations get to the people who need it most is to only donate to licensed charities,” Ms Blake said.

“Donors should also be aware that online platforms charge a fee for their services, which in some cases can significantly impact on the value of your donation.

The blaze was downgraded to advice level earlier this week. Quinns Rocks Bush Fire Brigade Credit: NCA NewsWire

“Face-to-face collectors must also have an identity badge or document naming the charity and WA licence number, and they need to issue a receipt.”

Ms Blake encouraged people to donate to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund, a long-running disaster relief fund operating in Western Australia since 1961.

The fund was activated on Sunday by City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, with an initial relief payment of $5000 to each destroyed home.

An additional initial relief payment of $3000 per home will also be made available for homes that have been categorised as suffering “major damage”.

Mr Zempilas said the early payments would assist affected residents in the city’s north with finding temporary accommodation following the blaze.

Initial relief payments were being made available to affected residents. Quinns Rocks Bush Fire Brigade Credit: NCA NewsWire

“The events of this week have been distressing for everyone and we know the WA community again want to show their support for those who need it urgently,” he said.

“The LMDRF is the place the people of WA have always trusted to be able to ensure their donation goes directly to those who need it.”

The Mariginiup bushfire was brought under control by the state’s firefighters on Sunday, with roads impacted by the blaze to be reopened.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services incident controller Clinton Kuchel told the ABC firefighters had been able to save at least 280 homes from the fire.