MIAMI -- Florida's Attorney General has issued a consumer alert after learning about several fraudulent charities popping up post Hurricane Dean and the earthquake that rocked Peru.

According to Attorney General Bill McCollum and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, fraudulent charities are soliciting donations from residents.

McCollum said con artists are taking advantage of natural disasters to get money.

"It is absolutely reprehensible for someone to capitalize on a natural disaster that has already caused widespread destruction and loss of life," said McCollum in a news release.

The advisory cautioned that e-mails and Web sites requesting donations may appear legitimate, but could be a ploy to gain personal information and consumers are encouraged to verify the validity of charitable organizations before making any donations.

"Floridians should know that while there are numerous reputable organizations fostering the true spirit of charity, there are those who are less than honorable and they should be avoided at all costs," said McCollum.

Florida law requires charities to register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and provide financial information about income and expenditures, according to the Solicitations of Contributions Act under Chapter 496, Florida Statutes.

Unregistered charities and individuals charged with improperly soliciting donations in the name of philanthropy face penalties of $10,000 to $15,000 per violation.

Things To Consider Before Donating:

Always make sure the charity is registered.

Don't judge the organization based on how impressive the name sounds.

Consumers have the right to ask the organization for a financial report and tax identification.

Never give cash.

Write a check payable to an organization, not an individual.

For more information, call the toll-free hot line at 1-800-HELP-FLA.