Is this donation request from Australian Red Cross a scam?
Scammers exploit people's generosity by posing as trusted charities like Australian Red Cross, especially after disasters and during major appeals. A donation request, text or email that looks like it's from Australian Red Cross can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real Australian Red Cross message from a fake.
Genuine Australian Red Cross links only ever go to redcross.org.au. Below is exactly what a real Australian Red Cross message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real Australian Red Cross message looks like
Genuine messages from Australian Red Cross only ever link to redcross.org.au.
- Australian Red Cross only accepts donations through redcross.org.au or the official Red Cross app
- Door-to-door collectors wear official Red Cross vests and carry photo ID badges with the redcross.org.au logo
- Appeals for disaster relief are announced on the redcross.org.au homepage and in official Red Cross emails
- Red Cross never asks for bank details or card numbers via SMS or unsolicited email
- Any phone contact from Australian Red Cross displays the 1800 811 700 number shown on redcross.org.au
Crucially, Australian Red Cross will never pressure you to donate instantly via gift cards, cryptocurrency or a transfer to a personal account — you can verify any charity on the ACNC register.
Common Australian Red Cross scams
- Scammers set up fake donation pages on domains that mimic redcross.org.au to steal card details during disaster appeals
- People claiming to be Red Cross collectors knock on doors without vests or photo ID and pressure for cash or bank transfers
- Fraudsters send emails or texts pretending to be an Australian Red Cross emergency appeal and direct recipients to a lookalike site
- Fake Red Cross charity stalls appear at events using copied logos and asking for immediate EFTPOS or cash donations
Red flags to watch for
- Message or collector asks you to donate via bank transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency instead of the official redcross.org.au site
- Person at your door has no Red Cross vest or photo ID badge and cannot show proof of affiliation with redcross.org.au
- Email or text contains a shortened link or a domain that is not exactly redcross.org.au
- Urgent language claiming the donation link will expire in minutes or hours
- Request for personal banking details or remote access to complete a "Red Cross donation"
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating Australian Red Cross, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
Australian Red Cross emergency appeal – thousands need help after the floods. Donate securely here: redcross-appeal-funds.com before 6pm today.
What gives it away:
- Message or collector asks you to donate via bank transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency instead of the official redcross.org.au site
- Person at your door has no Red Cross vest or photo ID badge and cannot show proof of affiliation with redcross.org.au
- Email or text contains a shortened link or a domain that is not exactly redcross.org.au
- Urgent language claiming the donation link will expire in minutes or hours
- Request for personal banking details or remote access to complete a "Red Cross donation"
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious Australian Red Cross text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from Australian Red Cross
- Donate at redcross.org.au
- Call 1800 811 700
Where to report a scam impersonating Australian Red Cross
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating Australian Red Cross? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I got a text from Australian Red Cross with a link – is it a scam?
Australian Red Cross does not send donation links by SMS. Delete the message and only donate via redcross.org.au.
How do I know if a Red Cross collector at my door is real?
Genuine collectors wear branded Red Cross vests and carry photo ID. Ask to see the ID and verify the badge shows redcross.org.au before giving cash or card details.
I received an email asking for a Red Cross donation on a strange website – what should I do?
Do not click the link. Always type redcross.org.au yourself to make any donation and report the email to scamwatch.gov.au.
Can I check if a Red Cross appeal is legitimate?
Visit redcross.org.au directly – all current appeals are listed there. If the appeal is not mentioned on the site, treat any request as suspicious.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating Australian Red Cross usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other charity names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with Australian Red Cross through an official channel.