THE NSW State Emergency Service has warned the public not to fall for a raffle scam.
The SES said members of the public have received phone calls from someone purporting to represent the organisation.
The caller offers to sell raffle tickets in support of local SES units following the recent windstorm which affected areas of Kiama, Shellharbour and Nowra.
The caller then goes on to request credit card details for the payment of the raffle tickets.
The NSW SES Volunteer’s Association does run a raffle for the support of volunteers within the NSW SES, but does not use these funds for victims of disaster.
The callers for this approved raffle always identify themselves as being from Countrywide Media representing the NSW SES Volunteer’s Association.
NSW SES Illawarra South Coast acting region controller Ashley Sullivan has asked the community to be vigilant and to report any suspected scams to the NSW SES and the police.
“Unfortunately we hear of people using disasters like the one in Kiama regularly to try and profit from other people’s generosity and sense of community spirit,” said Mr Sullivan.
“If anyone is contacted by someone selling raffle tickets and they are unsure of their legitimacy, they should contact the NSW SES to check.”
If members of the public suspect that a caller is not rightfully representing the NSW SES, then they should contact the NSW SES Illawarra South Coast Region office on 4251 1200 and notify the NSW Police.
