Federal police warn of the online tricks terrorists are using to dupe ordinary Australians

Australians are being warned that terrorist organisations are posing as charities online in a bid to elicit donations and funnel money overseas, federal police have warned.

The Australian Federal Police Joint Threat Financing Group said it was aware of terrorists using falsified charity credentials to con unwitting Australians into contributing to their cause.

The AFP said the donations are disguised as lawful contributions but fund terror activity.

“Terrorist organisations pretending to be charities is a longstanding tactic used to con people out of their money and fund terrorist activity,” Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said.

“These terror groups don’t care how they get financial support or if they exploit the goodwill of ordinary people.

“If you are donating money, make sure it is to an established and registered charity that is running verified appeals.”

Under Commonwealth law, it is a crime to get funds to and finance terrorism.

And the AFP urged ordinary Australians to do their due diligence about where their donations are going.

They advise using the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission register to check whether a charity is registered.

The register also lists where the charity works and who it benefits.

Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre deputy chief executive Dr John Moss said terrorist organisations exploit the goodwill of people to elicit donations to fund terror activities.

“AUSTRAC works closely with our partners through the JTFG to identify suspicious funds flows and stop them reaching terrorist organisations overseas,” Dr Moss said.