Scammers are attempting to leverage on tragic events anew, particularly the recent California wildfire disaster. This time, they are preying on humanitarians willing to extend their support to the unfortunate victims.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued warnings against schemes mounted by scammers who are trying to get away with easy money by spamming out email messages, which ask for donations for the wildfire victims. The message that claims to be from the IRS uses the legitimate agency’s logo and contains a link that leads to a fake Web site, where the user is asked for his or her bank account numbers.

Although the message appears legitimate and shows few clear signs of being a hoax, the email itself is a giveaway that it is one–because the IRS does not even send emails, according to IRS spokeswoman Michelle Lamishaw.

Concerned parties are advised to take precaution as they make their donations to ensure that their aid will reach its intended recipients.

This is just another one of those events that bring out both the best and worst in people.