Bogus Charity Clothing Collections

The vast majority of leaflets distributed to households are from genuine registered charities. Some leaflets can, at a glance, look like they have come from a charity, but are actually from a company that profits from collections. An initiative to raise the public's awareness of the problem is being driven by a group of bodies including the Charity Commission, Cabinet Office, Trading Standards, local authorities and the Association of Charity Shops.

The Association of Charity Shops estimates that charities lose between £2.5 million and £3 million a year through theft and people giving clothing to organisations that they think are charities but may be commercial companies collecting for profit. While clothing companies may be acting legally, their leaflets may be largely indistinguishable from charities, unless people know what information to look for.

The Government has issued a leaflet on donating charity clothing and goods

Top tips for spotting a genuine charity 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 online register of charities at www.charitycommission.gov.uk to check that it's genuine.
• Do they only give a registered company number? This just means that the organisation is registered with Companies House.
• Is the charity actually named? Be wary of wording that just says 'families in need' or 'sick kids at Christmas'
• Does the leaflet or bag give a phone number? The absence of a phone number may mean the collectors don't want to answer questions.