Some clothing collection bags or leaflets may give the impression of charity when in fact the collection is being carried out by a profit-making company. These misleading materials may not use the words 'registered charity' but instead use pictures or wording that imply that the appeal is charitable, for example 'sick children at Christmas' or 'families in need'.

The Commission has taken calls from people worried about leaflets which suggest the money made will go to charity when it actually goes to a private business or individual.

We also know of cases in which fraudsters have used the name, logo and registration number of genuine charities to appeal for donations and keep the profits.

Make sure your donations reach the right cause by:

• checking for the words 'registered charity' – don’t assume it's a charity because of the pictures used
• looking out for a registered charity number – and checking the number against the online Register of Charities
• calling the charity – if it’s genuine the leaflet should include contact numbers, which you can call to ask if the charity really is collecting in your area
• calling the Council – clothing collections that benefit a charity have to be
• licensed by the local authority
• going straight to the charity shop – if you’re still concerned about the leaflets you receive, leave your clothes at a charity shop or an official charity clothes collection point

See also:

• Complaining about a charity's fundraising activities (Directgov)
• Reporting a serious concern about a charity (Directgov)
• Charities and Fundraising (CC20)
• Bogus collectors and theft online reporting tool (Charity Retail Association)

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