Cruel fraudsters target flood donations

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Police say "sickening" fraudsters are stealing cash and personal details from people intending to donate to the victims of the Queensland floods.

Several sophisticated scams aimed at stealing from people intending to give to flood relief have sprung up across Queensland recently, police say.

Detective Superintendent Brian Hay of Queensland's Fraud and Corporate Crime Group says the fraudsters set up authentic websites and deliver believable emails that are "99 per cent fact".

But the sites are designed to gain identity, financial and credit card details from unsuspecting members of the public, he says.

"This is clearly a very hard time for a lot of people and it is sickening to see people prey further on these victims."

"International fraudsters prey on the goodwill of people during a crisis such as the Queensland floods."

Mr Hay says is also urging caution when donating to businesses claiming to be associated with Government clean-up efforts.

Reports have been received of scammers who claim to be from a business who, for a fee of $200 will lodge and fast track all government relief applications, he says.

Victims would be asked to provide bank account and identity information and pay for the service with their credit cards.

"These organisations do not exist and no payment will be required to process authentic government relief fund applications."

Tradesmen claiming discounted rates and asking for cash up front for clean-up work are also a cause for concern, he says.

"These fraudsters will put the cash in their pocket never to be seen again or will commence work and provide an incomplete or shoddy service.

"We are certainly working to target and apprehend these scammers but wish to remind the public that in amongst the thousands of generous individuals there will still be a few that will try to profit from this situation."