RESIDENTS in the borough are being urged to be wary of bogus charity collectors who are profiting from the public's clothing donations.
Hillingdon Council's Trading Standards team have issued the warning after reports of one company, W&W Help Ltd, who have been collecting resident's unwanted items despite having been struck off and dissolved in March last year. The number of bogus collections and competitions is on the up, according to Trading Standards.
There are a number of genuine registered charities doing the rounds in the borough, however, and residents are being asked to look closely at the "charity" details on the collection sacks and leaflets, and be aware of any missing or misguiding information.
Bill Maguire, 82, of Belmore Road, Hayes, told the Gazette that he is inundated with different collection sacks each week, many of which are phony.
"It's pure theft. They are simply taking donations that should be going to good causes and selling it on for profit.
"More often than not there isn't even a charity number so they are quite easy to pick out, but people don't often bother to check. These companies shouldn't be taking advantage of people's generosity in this way."
Councillor Sandra Jenkins, cabinet member for environment, said: "We are encouraging people to donate their unwanted items to a local charity shop if at all possible.
"Bogus charities are exploiting generous residents by taking the items for their own personal gain.
"If you do want to donate on your doorstep look for the registered charity number and contact details, as cowboy outfits don’t usually give out this detail."
The Charity Commission keeps a public register of all charities. To check whether a charity number is genuine, call the Commission on 0845 300 0218, or visit www.charitycommission.gov.uk .
For further information, call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
Things to look out for:
Does the sack or leaflet say the collection is for a registered charity? If so, what’s the registered charity number?
Does the sack or leaflet only give a registered company number? This just means the organisation is registered with Companies House.
Is the charity actually named? Be wary of wording that just says "families in need" or "for breast cancer prevention programme"
Does the leaflet or bag give a phone number?
