But how do you know what's real and what's a scam?

With many people digging deep - including a swag of international superstars, Chris Hemsworth the latest of which, donating $1 million - to help support bushfire-affected communities, volunteer firefighters and animal rescue charities, authorities have warned scammers are lurking, some closer to home than you'd think, too.

Scammers, some of which have been operating in multiple villages east of Bathurst, are using the bushfire crisis as a way to fraudulently seek donations from generous community members hoping to support those in need, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) warns.

"There are currently a wide range of appeals raising funds for people and animals affected by the bushfires. Unfortunately, some of these are scams," the ACCC warned.

As a result the government has set up a dedicated hotline that'll enable people to report bushfire-related scams which came into operation on Tuesday.

"Scammers impersonate genuine charities and ask for donations or contact you claiming to collect money after natural disasters or major events," the ACCC said.

"Fake charities try to take advantage of your generosity and compassion for others in need. Scammers will steal your money by posing as a genuine charity.

"Not only do these scams cost you money, they also divert much needed donations away from legitimate charities and causes."

Recently, Chifley Police District officers warned residents that a scammer was operating in the Portland, Wallerawang and Cullen Bullen areas.

Police said that a male had been impersonating a NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) firefighter and could be wearing a uniform.

Officers said there had been reported cases where the male had knocked on residents' doors and said he had been out fighting fires all night and was collecting money.

People can make a report on the Scamwatch website, or find more information about where to get help.

Reports of any bushfire-related scams can be made to the ACCC's dedicated hotline, with the community able to call 1300 795 995.