Staying Charity smart this Christmas in Northampton

Though always important, it can be especially key around the Christmas season to be aware of charity fraud. With adverts showing the needy left without shelter on these cold December nights, many will want to donate at this time of the year, but it’s crucial to take some simple steps to ensure that your contributions gets where it’s needed. With criminals eager to exploit the charitable, many may find themselves victims of fake charities. With assistance from UK police, we've created this guide to help you stay aware.

When it comes to charity collectors in public, be aware of the following

Are they able to provide proof that they have the permission to collect? They should have an ID badge, as well as a sealed container marked with both the charity’s name, and its registration number. As well as this, they should be able to produce a valid police or local authority licence.

Never feel pressured into making a face-to-face donation on the spot, a donation sent directly to the charity itself will ensure your contribution gets where it’s needed.

There are several other things to consider, before either donating to a public collector, or over the internet

Does the charity’s website or marketing have proper grammar and punctuation? Poor spelling and other inaccuracies can often be a clear way of identifying a fraudulent charity, whether it’s online, or on clothing bags or physical branding.

Be aware when it comes to being contacted via email, if you find any such emails in any way suspicious, don’t hesitate to avoid clicking links they may contain. If you are in doubt, but still with to donate via the internet, go to the charity’s website from your browser and donate directly instead. If you have doubts as to the legitimacy of any email asking for contributions, contact the charity itself.

There are several options you can choose from if you ever feel doubtful about a collector, or the veracity of charity appeals

Contact the local police or authority as to whether a licence has been granted to the collector, or still needs one to collect. The charity Commission can also be contacted at www.charitycommission.gov.uk or at 0845 300 0218 if you have any concerns, where genuine charity contact details can be found on their website.

Report to the Police on 101 or to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.org.uk if you believe you might have been targeted by a fraudulent fundraising scheme.

Article by Isaac Warrington, with help from the UK police