Crowdfunding platform GoFundMe is working around the clock to stop scammers getting a slice of millions of dollars raised to help those affected by the bushfire crisis, with more than 4500 fire-related campaigns launched on the platform since January 1.

More than $28 million has been given to bushfire-related fundraisers on GoFundMe since November last year among an enormous overall donor drive, however there are concerns that some money may end up in the pockets of swindlers.

Emphasising the sheer amount of money being donated, three bushfire fundraisers are in the top five GoFundMe pages of all time for Australia — Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Help save Kangaroo Islands Koalas and wildlife and Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities. GoFundMe asks donors to pay an optional fee when making a donation.

Scammers are targeting bushfire charities.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has had nearly 250 reports since it launched a dedicated hotline for bushfire-related scams last week, resulting in the removal of illegitimate crowdfunding efforts.