POLICE are urging the community to be wary of potential scammers trying to take advantage of flood-affected areas as communities begin to recover.
People posing as tradesmen or electricians are known to approach people during times of hardship and offer to get their premises re-powered or repaired.
Scammers may use email, text message or social media to try and trick victims into revealing account information or financial details.
The most common online scams involve fake websites to try and get the victim to pay for non-existent products and services, asking for personal and financial information, and installing malicious software on devices.
While police are yet to receive any reports of this occurring in the Far North region, there are a few key things that the community is urged to consider in the coming days.
If approached by an electrician or tradesperson offering to help, ask for their electrical licence which you can then check the details of here: Electrical Licence Register.
If you are unsure about an electrician, decline their services and find a licensed electrical contractor yourself either online or through Master Electricians Australia on 1300 889 198.
If you witness any suspicious activity in your area as recovery efforts continue, report it immediately to police.
To learn more about scams, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au and if you have been the victim of a cybercrime, you can report this online at ReportCyber.
Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: Crucial highway washed out and JCU scientists discover grave warning.
