Flood scam warning

Police have warned the public that the SES is not collecting funds in flood affected communities.

Chris Ison

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• Scammers methods ring a bell

DESPERATE con artists are falsely fundraising in flood affected North Coast communities.

NSW Police have issued another warning to the public after the NSW State Emergency Service reported some individuals in the Northern River community (Lismore) are pretending to be SES members.

The scamsters are informing people that the SES will be conducting flood relief fundraising.

The NSW SES is making it clear that there is no flood relief fundraising being conducted by the NSW SES, and they do not doorknock for collections.

NSW Police Emergency Management Corporate Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch, said it is very disappointing that some people in our community try to take advantage of tragic situations like this.

"These people have no shame and the NSW Police Force remains committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting any one caught operating such activities," Commissioner Murdoch said.

"If you believe you have been the victim of such a scam you are urged to contact your local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. All information will be treated in strict confidence. 

The NSW SES has advised police that from time to time there are legitimate raffles run for their volunteers, and callers are clearly identified as being from the NSW SES Volunteers Association, however these activities are not conducted during flood events.