'Vultures' circle flood victims

SCAMMERS are trying to exploit victims of the Queensland flood disaster.

SCAMMERS are trying to exploit victims of the Queensland flood disaster.

Queensland Police today issued a warning for people to beware of  “vultures” who had started to emerge.

Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Stewart, who is co-ordinating the disaster response, warned of scams operating in the last few days.

In one case, scammers were phoning or emailing flood victims, offering to help them get federal and state government grants, and then asking for the person's bank details.

“Do not fall into the trap of handing over any details of that sort. These are just scams,” Mr Stewart told reporters.

Scammers were also going to flood-affected houses and telling homeowners they would clean their property for cash. They were then taking the money and leaving without doing any of the work promised.

In NSW, the State Emergency Service is investigating claims that fraudsters are calling people, claiming to be from the SES, to seek donations.