Fundraising efforts are underway to help affected people and volunteers providing relief after the massive earthquake on New Year's Day in central Japan.

Hardest-hit Ishikawa Prefecture began a fundraising campaign on Thursday. Cash is being accepted at the prefectural government headquarters in Kanazawa City and its offices in Tokyo and Osaka.

Bank accounts for donations have also been opened.

Officials say more than 40 million yen, or 270,000 dollars, was raised on the first day.

The Japanese Red Cross Society website has details on how to donate.

The Central Community Chest of Japan is raising funds for volunteers working in affected areas through bank remittances and credit card payments.

Internet services provider LY Corporation says it raised more than 10 million dollars through a special website by noon on Monday.

Nonprofit organizations have launched crowdfunding projects.

Operators of websites through which people can donate to local governments in return for tax deductions have opened special sections to help quake-hit communities.

In past disasters, scam attempts by fraudsters posing as welfare groups or public institutions were reported.

Police and the Consumer Affairs Agency are urging people to check fundraisers' activities and how they plan to use the money before donating.