It had to happen (and frankly, we’re surprised the scams didn’t start even more quickly). With the plight of earthquake and cyclone victims in China and Myanmar hitting the headlines – and our hearts – every day, it didn’t take aid scammers long to put together phony relief campaigns and solicit donations.

The scam: State and Federal authorities have issued multiple warnings about scammers’ attempts to cash in on public sympathy for victims of Myanmar’s devastating cyclone and the tragic earthquake in China.

The phony donation pleas arrive by email but police also report telephone solicitations, often claiming to be from genuine organisations like the Red Cross.

Some of the scammers even offer free vacations to the biggest donors. “Whenever there’s some tragic event, these scam artists come out to do their business.” says a police spokesman. “It may not be apparent to unwitting victims. It may be the last thing on their minds that they are getting duped.”

The solution: Don’t respond to emails about relief efforts; be sceptical of anyone soliciting donations even if they claim to be from a known relief agency; go directly to the websites of relief agencies – never click on links in emails; don’t give money to people who say they’re going to pass it on; and don’t give your personal financial details to anyone who solicits contributions.