This week is Charity Fraud Awareness Week (22 October to 26 October), an international initiative designed to raise awareness about fraud in the charity sector, and share best practice solutions in tackling fraud and financial crime.
Throughout the week, both on the ACNC website and across our social channels, we will be sharing resources and information to help keep charity fraud out. The campaign, coordinated by the Charity Commission of England and Wales and featuring input from more than 40 regulators, peak bodies and charities, will have a designated theme each day to highlight key issues impacting charities and donors globally.
Our first theme is cyber-fraud - and the importance of protecting yourself and your charity from the threat of ransomware and security breaches.
From a charity perspective, security breaches are a large risk to a charity’s reputation. If your charity is targeted by ransomware, information about your organisation’s donors or beneficiaries may be at risk.
Is it time for your charity to review its security protocols? The Australian Cyber Security Centre has produced a guide to promote safe online behaviour and help businesses manage their IT risks – download your free copy of the Security Awareness Implementation Guide now from Stay Smart Online. The Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) also have a comprehensive guide designed for charities and not-for-profits, entitled Damn Good Advice on Cyber-safety and Fraud Prevention – download it free from the ICDA website.
If you are a donor that is concerned about the security and safety of your personal data when donating to or engaging with a charity, the ACNC has guidance to help you ensure your donations are going to legitimate charities – read more on the ACNC website.
Charities and donors can work together to help keep charity fraud out – if you notice something suspicious, raise your concerns either with the charity directly, with the ACNC via our website, or with Scamwatch.
Interested in learning more about Charity Fraud Awareness Week? Key dates and resources are available on the Fraud Advisory Panel website.