HOUSEHOLDERS in Worcester are again being warned about bogus charity clothes collectors at work in the city. It is the fourth alert of its kind in seven months.
St John's residents are being warned by Worcestershire County Council to be wary of an appeal for clothes which are then supposed to be distributed to needy people in Eastern Europe.
John Dell, compliance and investigation divisional manager at Worcestershire Trading Standards, said: "We are warning residents in St John's that their goodwill in giving to this collection will be wasted. People who wish to donate to charities would be better advised to give to charities they are already aware of or check charity details with the Charity Commission."
He said the leaflets lead householders to believe the collectors are acting on behalf of charities but many of the collections are being made by commercial operators.
It is very difficult to confirm where any contributed items are likely to end up and whether any charitable causes will actually benefit, he added.
People can contact the Charity Commission helpline on 0845 300 0213 to check up on registered charities. Anyone who is suspicious of charity collections or who needs advice can call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
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