13/06/09 - Watch Out For Bogus Charity Collectors

Bogus charity Helping Arms is targeting the town again, warns Swindon Borough Council's Commercial Regulation Team.

The 'charity' dupes residents into giving away clothing by posting collection bags at addresses, claiming any unwanted items will be given to eastern European and African countries - when they are really being sold for profit.

Residents are asked to leave the goods in the plastic bag by the front door and these are later collected.

Helping Arms is well known to Trading Standards teams up and down the country. It targeted Swindon last year and was reported to the council's Commercial Regulation Team, which includes Trading Standards. Sometimes the writing on the bags is written in bad English and has been printed over old writing.

The Association of Charity Shops estimates that the potential value of donated clothing and other items lost to legitimate charities as a result of these bogus collections amounts to over £1m per annum. A list of authentic charities is also available on the Charity Commission website.

Cllr Kevin Parry, "These particular charity bags have been circulated in the Dorcan Ward.  I would urge residents not to respond to the requests to fill them with goods, however unwanted the goods may be.  By filling these bags, you would effectively be handing money directly to criminals, rather than helping the good causes you intend to.''

For more information contact the Commercial Regulation Team on (01793) 466155 or email tstandards@swindon.gov.uk .