Australian authorities warn of bushfire looters and scammers

Firefighters tackling a bushfire in thick smoke in the town of Moruya, south of Batemans Bay, in New South Wales. Elliott said anyone who takes advantage of vulnerable communities affected by bushfires is 'the lowest of the low' and should face the full force of the law. — AFP

As Australia struggles to deal with the aftermath of hundreds of bushfires, dozens of which are still burning, authorities have also warned of looters in towns where people have evacuated and scammers raising fake funds for relief.

New South Wales (NSW) Police said on Jan 7 three people, including a 17-year-old male, have been charged over alleged offences committed in areas of the state's South Coast area impacted by bushfires.