The NSW State Emergency Service has received reports from Lismore about unscrupulous people who are pretending to be SES members conducting flood-relief fundraising.
The NSW SES said it is not conducting flood-relief fundraising at present and its members never doorknock for collections.
Assistant commissioner Mark Murdoch of NSW Police 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.
‘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,’ assistant commissioner Murdoch said.
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.