The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has made the Charity Commission aware of fraudulent emails circulating which claim to be soliciting funds for a DEC 'Tsunami Earthquake Appeal' for Japan. No such ‘Appeal’ exists. The police have been informed.

The DEC is not planning to launch an appeal for this crisis in Japan, as it explains here. Members of the public should not give to any such appeal for Japan purporting to be organised by DEC.

If people wish to donate to this cause, several of DEC’s member agencies are responding to the crisis, for example the British Red Cross, Save the Children, World Vision and Oxfam. Further details may be found by contacting these charities.

The Commission is urging the public to be vigilant and has the following advice for those who wish to make donations to charities:

• Be careful when responding to emails or clicking links within them to ensure that they are genuine. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a request for donations that appears to come from a charity, do not hesitate to contact that charity directly.

• If you are concerned that you may have been targeted by a fundraising scam, you should report this to Action Fraud, using their online fraud reporting tool, or by telephoning 0300 123 2040. You should also contact the Charity Commission.

• If you want to donate online to a particular charity, visit the charity’s website.

• Think about how you are going to give. If you are a UK taxpayer and donate directly to a charity - whether online, over the phone, by post or by handing in a cheque at the charity's office or shop - it can claim Gift Aid to maximise your donation.