Bogus Collections for Tsunami victims

A CAN (Consumer Alert Network) member has alerted us to door-to-door collections in the Birchwood area claiming to be the Red Cross collecting on behalf of victims of the recent Tsunami in South East Asia.

Trading Standards have received similar information from another Birchwood resident. The Red Cross have confirmed that whilst they are actively collecting money for this appeal they are NOT carrying out door-to-door collections.

Sadly it has been reported by the BBC that other scams have been uncovered around the country where fraudsters have been collecting money claiming it is to help victims of this disaster. There have been bogus websites and e-mails as well as other door to door collections.

Many legitimate charities do use door-to-door collections on a regular basis but please be careful when making charitable donations in this way and be sure the collector is genuine. If in doubt explain that you will make your contribution in other ways. Information for the Charities Commission states that donations for the Tsunami Earthquake Appeal can made as follows:

By calling: 0870 60 60 900

(Online at: www.dec.org.uk By post to: DEC tsunami earthquake appeal PO Box 999 London EC3A 3AA Cheques made payable to: DEC tsunami earthquake appeal)

or call in to any High Street Bank or Post Office

For further information, or to provide us with information, please call Trading Standards on 01925 442678.