How to avoid natural disaster scams

What is a natural disaster scam?

In the aftermath of natural disasters, communities often come together to support one another, but these vulnerable moments can also attract criminals looking to take advantage of people experiencing stress or trauma. Criminals can quickly exploit natural disasters to take advantage of people trying to recover, or those wanting to donate to support communities in need. Scamwatch reports Australians lost $261,294 to fake charities in 2024, much of which can be attributed to natural disaster charity scams.

Understanding the types of scams that can occur during such uncertain times is essential for safeguarding yourself and your loved ones.

This article outlines common scams linked to natural disasters and offers practical tips on how to recognise the red flags and avoid them.

Types of natural disaster scams

• Criminals promoting fake government support. These can include offering low or no interest loans, or business or investment opportunities related to disaster recovery, such as grants, rebuilding or flood-proofing.
• Calls, emails or a knock on the door from people falsely claiming to represent charities, businesses or government organisations soliciting donations for people impacted by disasters. These often imitate the names of real companies or organisations assisting victims.
• Individuals claiming to be relatives of affected people seeking donations.

Tips to avoid scams after a natural disaster

To reduce the risk of scams while recovering from or aiding those recovering from a natural disaster, follow these simple tips:

Stop

• Treat anyone who offers to help you access relief for a fee with suspicion. You’re not required to pay a fee to get disaster relief. 
• Don’t donate via fundraising pages or crowdfunding requests on platforms that don’t verify the legitimacy of the fundraiser or don’t guarantee your money will be returned if the page is determined to be fraudulent. 
• Check the terms and conditions of the funding platforms to ensure you’re dealing with official organisations. If you’re unsure, make your donation to an established charity instead. You can look up registered charities on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commissions website, opens in new window.

Check

• If re-building after a natural disaster, be sure to research contractors and get estimates from more than one group before signing a contract for work. If you’re insured, insurers will not send a tradesperson to your home unannounced. Get a written contract for repairs and read it carefully before signing it. Don’t be pressured to pay for services by gift card, a payment app, cryptocurrency, a wire transfer or in cash.
• Speak to your insurer before agreeing to any repairs or rebuilding work to make sure it’s covered.
• Independently check that an individual offering financial help is legitimate. Ask to see their identification and check with that organisation or your insurer before providing any information. Don’t rely on what someone has told you or social media advertisements.
• If you’re looking to help others after a natural disaster, ensure your donation gets to the right place. Research and donate directly to registered charities. 

Protect

• Don’t provide banking or personal information if someone calls or approaches you. Check if the person is who they say they are by contacting the agency or company they claim to represent and check their online reviews. You can even ask a trusted professional like a financial advisor to verify their information and provide further guidance.
• Get a second opinion from an objective friend or family member if unsure.
• Never provide your NAB Internet Banking login details to a third party.

Where to go for help

If you’re a NAB customer and believe you may have fallen victim to a scam, please visit nab.com.au/fraud and report it immediately.

If you’re currently experiencing a natural disaster, call our NAB Assist team on  . If you're a business customer, call us on  

Learn more about how we can help if you’re experiencing a natural disaster.