SCAMMERS TARGET KIMBERLEY FLOOD VICTIMS

Heavy flooding occured in early January between Fitzroy Crossing and Noonkanbah. Credit: DFES WA.

The state government has warned that scammers are targeting flood-affected communities in the Kimberley.

Most recently, scammers have sent flood victims messages on Facebook which link to a page for a fake ‘agent’ promising victims $20 000 in relief funding.

The scammers take personal information and eventually request an upfront fee to be paid to access the funds.

The messages are written as if they are from a friend and use an image of a Serbian politician.

"We strongly advise people in flood-affected areas to be extremely careful, and not click on links or give out personal information such as bank details in response to random messages received via text or social media,” said Commerce Minister Sue Ellery.

"It is unbelievable that criminals have sought to exploit vulnerable people at a time when many of them have lost everything.”

WA ScamNet has previously warned that scammers have used fake charity social media accounts to ask donors to buy Amazon online gift cards.

The fake Instagram account @leedal_foundation_limited has impersonated the real Indigenous-owned Leedal Pty Ltd charity to scam generous Western Australians.

The state government says if consumers believe they have lost money to a scam or become aware of one they should report it to WA ScamNet.

Have you or someone you know been affected by these scams? Contact Ngaarda Media to tell your story.