The FBI has issued a warning that spammers are exploiting the Sago mining disaster in which 12 miners lost their lives. 

The emails purport to be raising funds for an operation to save the life of Randal McCloy, the only survivor of the disaster. McCloy is currently in a critical condition in hospital after spending nearly two days trapped underground.

'We needed your generous financial assistance to our beloved citizen, brother and friend Mr. Randal McCloy to enable him undergo all the Surgical Operations and Medical treatments which will cost Several Millions of Dollars in serving his life and bringing him to his normal state of life,' states the email.

The messages go on to say: 'No amount is too small or big for us to undergo the surgical operation.'

"Sick criminals are deliberately using the mining disaster in an attempt to steal from others, without a thought for the families of the victims who have surely been through enough anguish," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.

"Everyone should be wary of emails such as these, as it is a common trick used by fraudsters to steal money and bank account information.

"Last year we saw scams associated with the Indian Ocean tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the terrorist bombings in London."

Local FBI officers are investigating the emails and have appealed for information. Anyone who has received an email about the Sago mining disaster is asked to contact the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center here.