Ian Frazer scam targets Brisbane residents

The Brisbane Times has today published an article about a hoax targeting Brisbane residents which suggests that our own Ian Frazer is packing up his research and moving to Switzerland. We can assure you that Professor Frazer is staying in Australia and that our legitimate fundraising efforts would never target an individual researcher. 

The hoax is varied each time, but most commonly door knockers are claiming to be selling tickets in a lottery, close enough to a real Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) fundraiser to be believable. This is the second time the PAH have run this popular lottery, with some amazing prizes, to raise funds for their research foundation. Legitimate door knockers have been working hard to sell tickets, with their efforts being negatively impacted by scammers looking to exploit the generosity of our supporters. 

A cruel hoax is being played out in Brisbane, and on one of the nation's favourite sons. Sham collectors are knocking on doors, telling stories about world famous scientist Professor Ian Frazer, and pleading for funds to keep him in Australia.

They're telling homeowners in Tarragindi and Camp Hill, Toowong and Kangaroo Point that funding to Brisbane's Translational Research Institute has been slashed.

And that Ian Frazer was packing up his laboratory, and heading to Switzerland.

It's a load of bunkum, but their polished and professional performance - where they show all the ID requested - makes easy prey of generous donors.

~ Madonna King