Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D) has issued a warning to the public about scammers claiming to represent charities in the wake of the California wildfires.

He urges donators to be cautious and ensure organizations are legitimate before offering money.

"Make sure the charity is a legitimate and established one -- like the Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Americares -- so that your hard-earned dollars will go to benefit the people of California who are going through such tragedy and devastation," he said.