Australian Red Cross DOES NOT send unsolicited email to the public requesting donations.

If you receive an unsolicited email alleging to be on behalf of Red Cross or collecting for Red Cross, immediately delete the message and do not forward or otherwise circulate it.

Do not respond to these messages or provide any personal details to unsolicited email that you may receive.

Only make an online donation to an Australian Red Cross Appeal at www.redcross.org.au.

Victoria's bushfires have been all over the news but we cannot begin to understand what these people are going through. If you feel the desire to help (as many Australians do!) please donate to the Red Cross Bushfires Appeal 2009 . Please be wary of email scams masquerading as this legitimate charity organisation.According to the Red Cross website:Go to the official Red Cross Website to donate or callPlease do not call 000 if you are worried about relatives / loved ones. The information line for the Country Fire Authority Victoria is. Please do not visit the areas just to drive by and look. You will be in the way. Firefighters and investigators need to do their job without interference and the people of these devastated areas need to be left respectfully to grieve and rebuild their lives. Please do not donate clothing or other items to the Red Cross at this time - a cash donation is the most effective way to help during this appeal.