OFT warning over bogus doorstep charity collectors

As Britons begin think about spring cleaning, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has warned the public to be wary of bogus charity clothing collections – a practice which costs genuine charities around £1 million a year.

Many genuine charities rely on doorstep collections of unwanted household items, but some companies are now beginning to exploit the practice for commercial reasons.

The OFT has warned householders to check flyers passed through their letterboxes and ensure that they are distributed by registered charities.

Some flyers delivered to homes have been found to misleadingly suggest that donations go directly to charity – instead collections seem to be organised by commercial operators who sell the donated items for profit, the OFT warned.

The misleading impression is in some instances reinforced by reference to a registration number, which people may think is that of a Registered Charity but is in fact a limited company number.

Christine Wade, Director of the Consumer Regulation Enforcement Division of the OFT, said: "Bogus collections deprive genuine charities of significant sources of revenue. We want people to be alert to the practices of unscrupulous individuals and companies that seek to exploit their generosity and goodwill."

The Association of Charity Shops estimated that that the potential value of donated clothing and other items 'lost' to legitimate charities as a result of these bogus collections amounts to over £1 million per annum.

Antony Robbins, Head of Communications at the Charity Commission, said: "We're asking people to be generous but be smart and don't let bogus collectors put you off giving to charity. Check for a registered charity number and feel free to check the number with us. Together we can help make sure that donations go to genuine charities to help them carry out their vital work."

If a householder has any doubts about a leaflet asking for donations, they should: contact the Charity Commission helpline on 0870 333 0123 to check whether the collection is for, or on behalf of, a registered charity; contact their local authority to see if the collector has been licensed; give direct to a local charity shop instead or donate to a charity shop collection sack.

(gmcg)