The generosity of local people could be exploited by bogus emails asking for donations to help those affected by the Tsunami disaster, it has emerged.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service is warning of the cons which have already been reported in America and Britain. Some of the scams take the form of “phishing” e-mails which ask people to donate money through what is in fact a fake website.

Phishing e-mails are designed to trick the recipient into disclosing personal information, such as account usernames, passwords and bank card details, resulting in financial losses and possibly identity theft for those tricked into replying.

Kevin McNamara of the Trading Standards Service said: “Genuine charities would not e-mail you asking for personal bank details, so be very suspicious if you receive any such e-mails.”

Those wishing to make donations should use charities they are familiar with or go through official channels such as the Disasters Emergency Committee, Mr McNamara said.

He also warned the public to be on the lookout for pleas from individuals telling tragic tales connected to the Tsunami disaster.

“They invariably ask the recipient for large sums of money. These letters and e-mails are the latest twist in the '419 scam', named after the penal code in Nigeria that it contravenes,” he added.

If any one believes they have received any of these scams concerning the Tsunami disaster they should contact Consumerline on 0845 600 6262.

(MB)