Scammers move in as waters recede in Queensland

Queensland police have warned the public to be wary of "vultures" who are trying to scam victims of the flood disaster.

Queensland police have warned the public to be wary of "vultures" who are trying to scam victims of the flood disaster.

Authorities yesterday posted messages on Twitter and Facebook urging the public to beware of people claiming to be members of clean-up teams or offering to organise access to government grants.

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

Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Ian Stewart said many Brisbane residents already found themselves in vulnerable circumstances and needed to be wary of potential scams.

"One scheme we are aware of is where trade workers arrive at a residence and demand cash up-front in exchange for their services in cleaning up," he said.

"However, once the money is exchanged, they leave and are never heard from again."

Mr Stewart said another scheme was phone-based.

"Householders who have been affected by the floods are contacted by an individual claiming they know how to best access the money that is coming from federal and state authorities," he said.

"And (this person) can facilitate this if they are given the householder's banking records. Please, don't be a victim and don't fall into the trap of handing over any details to these individuals."