Unknowing charities may be funding terror

Australian charities are being warned they could be inadvertently funnelling funds for terrorism.

The national charities regulator has issued an alert to not-for-profit organisations to check whether they being used unknowingly to raise and distribute funds for groups engaged in foreign conflicts.

The Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission said it is particularly concerning for local charities, given some operate overseas or provide aid to war-torn countries and they could face criminal penalties without even knowing of the link.

The commission has a check list on it website for charities to use to determine their risk.

HOW TERRORISTS CAN ABUSE CHARITIES:

* Partner group using charity's money to fund terrorism.

* A charity's resources, such as cars or premises, used to transport or store weapons.

* Charity name and status used without its knowledge or consent by terror group for fundraising.

* Terrorists infiltrate charity and skim off money.