Australians have raised millions for victims, both human and animal, of the bushfires that have devastated much of the country's south-eastern states but there are now warnings that scammers are targeting those who are giving all they can to charity.

Key points: Victoria's Emergency Services Minister calls for people to donate only through official channels

Victoria's Emergency Services Minister calls for people to donate only through official channels The ACCC has received 86 reports of scams related to the bushfire tragedy since September 2019

The ACCC has received 86 reports of scams related to the bushfire tragedy since September 2019 Scammers are impersonating charities and people affected by the bushfires

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) told the ABC they had received 86 reports of bushfire-related scams since September of 2019, including 20 calls to the scams hotline on Tuesday.

The rise in reported scams comes as authorities have begun to ask people to donate cash rather than goods, as a surplus has built up and is causing distribution issues.

The scams reported include:

People impersonating relatives of victims and requesting money via text messages or phone calls

People impersonating relatives of victims and requesting money via text messages or phone calls Calls or websites impersonating charities and crowdfunding pages impersonating charities

Calls or websites impersonating charities and crowdfunding pages impersonating charities People doorknocking, saying they or loved ones have been impacted by the bushfires

The ACCC also called on people to protect themselves when making donations by verifying the legitimacy of fundraisers, particularly by checking their terms and conditions to make sure they are an established charity and to ensure that charities are registered by searching the Australia Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

Some people such as this woman in Conjola have lost their homes, scammers have seen that as an opportunity. ( ABC News )

The news came as Victoria's Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville let loose on those who were taking advantage of kind-hearted Australians.

Speaking at a press conference, Ms Neville took aim at those committing fraud to get ahead as some of the worst society has to offer.

"We've heard that there are some fake charities out there and all I can say is this is the lowest of the low in terms of behaviour," Ms Neville said.

"We want to make sure they can't get away with these sort of scams."

How to protect yourself from scams: Do not donate via fundraising pages that do not verify the legitimacy of the fundraiser

Do not donate via fundraising pages that do not verify the legitimacy of the fundraiser Be careful about crowdfunding requests as these may be fake and also come from scammers

Be careful about crowdfunding requests as these may be fake and also come from scammers Check the terms and conditions of funding platforms and ensure you are dealing with official organisations

Check the terms and conditions of funding platforms and ensure you are dealing with official organisations Check a charity is registered by searching the Australia Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Charity Register

Ms Neville then elaborated on the type of scams she has been made aware of, including cases of doorknocking and impersonating victims.

"People are being rung by people that are either impersonating bushfire victims or pretending to act on behalf of bushfire victims.

"Because people want to do so much, they are contributing towards what are scams and fakes, including some doorknocking scams."

Ms Neville recommended that the safest way to donate in her state is to go through the official Victorian bushfire appeal.

"This is money that will go directly back to families, 100 per cent of it back to families," she added.