The Australian High Commission (AHC) Office in Honiara is warning the public that scammers are trying to mislead the public using its popular Direct Aid Program (DAP).

“The Australian High Commission (AHC) has received reports of an individual selling Direct Aid Program (DAP) application forms and claiming to be a middleman hired by the AHC.

"Please be aware that DAP forms are available free of charge and that we do not hire any individual to act as a middleman for this program," a statement issued by the AHC reads. 

"Anyone who is approached by someone selling DAP application forms should contact the RSIPF on 22999 to report the incident.”

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible, small grants scheme managed by the Australian High Commission. The emphasis of the program is on alleviating basic humanitarian hardships and improving living standards. 

It also looks at ways to benefit disadvantaged groups such as women, youth, persons with disabilities and isolated communities.