East Northamptonshire Council supports campaign to stop bogus charity collectors

The campaign aims to help the generous people who want to give to charity know what to look for in leaflets and bags that come through their letter box.  It will help them to decide if a clothing collection is genuinely for charity or not.

Bogus charity collectors dupe residents with the pledge that they will donate money raised from the sale of used items to a particular charity, but in many cases the cash goes into the fraudsters' pockets.

While clothing companies may be acting legally, their leaflets may be largely indistinguishable from charities unless people know what to look for.  The campaign includes four top tips for spotting a genuine charity clothing collection:

• Does the sack or leaflet say the collection is for a registered charity? If so, what's the registered charity number?  Call 0845 3000 218 or visit the www.charity-commission.gov.uk to check that it's genuine.
• Does it only give a registered company number?  Check that a registered charity is also involved with the collection.
• Is the charity actually named?  Be wary of wording that just says 'families in need' or 'sick kids at Christmas' as this could be an indication that it is not a genuine charity.
• Does the leaflet or bag give a phone number?  If not, it may mean the collectors don't want to answer questions.

In order to carry out house-to-house collections of this kind on behalf of a charity, companies need to obtain permission from the local council.  If someone suspects that they're being targeted by an organisation falsely claiming to be a registered charity, they should report their concerns to the council or to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Councillor Glenn Harwood MBE, said: "Donations of clothing and other goods to genuine charities is a great way to raise funds and help those less fortunate than ourselves.  However, it is important to be sure your donation goes to a legitimate charity - so it goes to those who really need it.

The majority of envelopes and leaflets put through your door will be from reputable and registered charities but regrettably, there are an increasing number of clothing collection 'scams' in operation.

The 'Give with Care' campaign raises awareness of bogus charity clothing collections and assists those generous people who wish to donate to be able to decide between a genuine charity collection and one that is bogus and operating illegally.

Don't be taken in - Give with Care."

To check if an organisation is licensed, visit www.northantslicensing.gov.uk and click on Public Register.

To find out more about the Give with Care campaign as well as charities that are exempt from licensing, visit www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector or www.charitybags.org.uk.

Editor's notes

The Association of Charity Shops estimates that between £2.5 and £3 million is lost to charities through theft and people mistakenly giving unwanted clothing to commercial companies in the belief that they are giving to charity.

There are some charities that are exempt from licensing and these can be found at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/law_and_regulation/fundraising_and_collections/holders_orders_exemption.aspx