Northern Territory Police Cybercrime Unit are conducting an investigation in relation to fake funereal fundraising web pages that have been established following the tragic death of a pilot on Sunday 27 October, 2019.
Enquiries have revealed that the donation site was suspended almost immediately after the first donation was made. Analysis indicates the site was being operated by international offenders who appear to be combing social media to discover publicised tragedies and then creating fake funeral fund requests.
The hosting service have indicated they are in the process of refunding the outstanding donation.
The Cybercrime Unit are warning people to be cautious about transferring funds in relation to social media requests and to take steps to verify the authenticity of the requests.
