A UK-wide appeal to help the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria has been launched.

But as fifteen leading aid agencies, including the British Red Cross and Oxfam, come together in aid of the Disasters Emergency Committee, charity officials fearful of fraudsters are already urging people to only donate to official earthquake appeals.

A television broadcast scheduled for Thursday evening across channels including the BBC, ITV and Sky will kick-start the mass urgent fundraiser with the British public.

The DEC's aim is to direct money towards medical aid, emergency shelter and clean food and water for the thousands displaced.

But with many people in Britain expected to support international aid efforts in response to the earthquakes, which are now estimated to have killed more than 15,000 people, there are warnings for kind-hearted homes to 'give safely'.

Increased fraud

Conscious that at times of increased giving fraudsters and criminals can take advantage of public generosity, both the Charity Commission for England and Wales and the government's Fundraising Regulator are encouraging people to only give to causes where it can be guaranteed their donation will reach its intended recipients in line with charity laws.

Helen Stephenson, chief executive of the Charity Commission explained: "The impacts of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria are shocking and devastating. Charities are once again stepping in to support those in need. I know that so many people across the UK will want to contribute and so I want to ensure every donation reaches its intended cause.

"This is why we are reminding everyone to give through the DEC or follow our simple steps, such as checking our online register, to make sure they’re giving safely."

Established charities, say the government, with experience of responding to disasters are best placed to reach people on the ground. Giving financial aid through organisations, rather than attempting to get donated goods directly to regions cut off by the quakes, is also more practical and sustainable insist officials because cash can be quickly and easily transferred to local aid workers who know where it is needed most.

During the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine the government also asked people to send cash instead of goods, following reports that goods and vehicles were being held up at borders which then risked obstructing official supply chains ferrying aid.

Gerald Oppenheim, from the Fundraising Regulator added: "The British public are generous and will be eager to support the relief work led by the DEC and its member charities where they can. Please carry out our recommended checks before donating money or goods to make sure you are giving to a genuine cause and that your generously donated money reaches its intended destination."

Government to match public funds

While details about how to donate will be broadcast in tonight's TV appeal the DEC's official website is already accepting donations online here where £10, it says, can provide enough suitable blankets to keep two people warm in the cold.

The UK Government has said it will match pound-for-pound the money donated by the public to the DEC appeal - up to a value of £5 million.

Anyone wishing to donate to an alternative cause supporting the relief effort is advised to check that the charity or organisation either has a registered charity number or is registered with the Fundraising Regulator, is clear about how they're spending funds and that donors are confident of the appeal's security before sending any money.