The Foundation has been targeted several times by scammers attempting to solicit fake donations, steal personal information, or scope out homes for burglaries.
The Foundation relies heavily on fundraising, and while they do use legitimate face-to-face fundraisers and telemarketers, there are red flags you should watch out for.
Cash Only Demands: Legitimate Starlight fundraisers rarely solicit cash donations on the street or at your door. They primarily process secure, monthly credit card or debit transactions.
No Legitimate ID: Authentic door-knockers carry official branded apparel, a lanyard with a clear ID badge, and usually an iPad/tablet to register donors securely. Scammers may have poorly printed lanyards or no ID at all.
High-Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use aggressive sales tactics or try to make you feel guilty for not donating.
Door-to-Door Salesmen: In some suburbs, individuals knock claiming to be "ex-offenders" or part of a rehabilitation scheme and claim they are raising money for Starlight.
If someone approaches you, tell them you will donate directly online. You can call the Starlight office directly to confirm if door-to-door fundraisers are operating in your specific area.
Always donate by navigating directly to the official Starlight Children's Foundation website.
If you feel intimidated, suspect someone is fraudulently using their name, or believe they are scoping out homes, report the details to your local police. You can also report donation scams to www.scamwatch.gov.au.
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