Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond is urging people to check before giving money this Christmas to ensure their donations reach genuine charities.
Action Fraud, the Charity Commission, and the Fundraising Regulator, have warned criminals can set up fake charities, or even impersonate well-known charitable organisations, to deceive victims.
People can check if a charity is registered and genuine by visiting the Charity Commission’s register of charities. This year the pandemic has created more fertile ground for fraudsters and people need to be extra vigilant.
Action Fraud found that £350,000 of charitable donations were taken by unscrupulous means over the festive period last year.
“It’s disgusting that some people are using the good nature of Meon Valley residents and the pandemic to try and take money from good causes and I urge everyone to check if they are in doubt whether an appeal is genuine,” said Flick.
Luckily, the vast majority of fundraising appeals and collections are real and make a big difference, but everyone wants their money to go where it’s needed not into criminals’ pockets.
“If you are suspicious then it’s easy to check by going to the Charity Commission or the gov.uk websites. That’s the best way to ensure your money is actually going to the good cause you want it to.”
Flick urged residents to check the identification of anyone who comes to their door or approaches them in the street for a donation. She also warned against clicking on links or attachments in suspicious emails, or responding to unsolicited messages and phone calls asking for personal or financial details, even if they seem to be from a charity.
Be extra cautious when donating to online fundraising pages too, she explained.
Chief Executive of the Charity Commission Helen Stephenson added: “Christmas is always a time of generous charitable giving, and that’s to be celebrated. This year it comes as charities face immense financial strain after heroic efforts to support some of society’s most vulnerable people through the pandemic.
“This means it’s more important than ever to ensure that when we reach into our pockets, our festive contributions don’t go astray. That’s why we’re urging everyone to give with their head as well as their heart and check before they give.” Charities can be checked at: https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information.
