You may have seen information in the news recently about a telemarketing firm data breach affecting many Australian charities.
While this news is very concerning, we would like to assure all Cystic Fibrosis WA supporters and donors that we have never worked with the telemarketing firm in question, and our donor data has never been shared with this organisation.
Despite this, we know many people in the community support multiple organisations, and we urge you to learn some information about the breach to protect yourself against potential scam activity.
Details about the data breach
The breach involves donor data that was originally gathered through a third-party telemarketing firm, responsible for fundraising for over 70 Australian charities. This information has been stolen and released online.
The data includes full names, birthdates, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers, which are now potentially in the hands of scammers. As a result, Western Australians who have donated to charities in the last decade are being warned to stay alert for potential scams, such as uninvited calls, texts, and emails.
The public is advised to not click on suspicious links and verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from a reputable organisation. It is suggested to contact the organisation directly using their official phone number to confirm any information you receive.
It’s also recommended to consider changing email passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication where possible. To ensure safe donations, individuals are encouraged to deal directly with licensed charities rather than third-party collectors, thereby minimizing the exposure of personal and financial information to additional sources.
If you believe you have been affected by this breach, or are concerned about compromised accounts, you are advised to report to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or seek guidance from IDCARE a national identity and cyber support service.
For more information visit the Department of Mines, industry Regulation and Safety website.