Bogus charity warning for pubs
The Charity Commission has issued a warning to licensees to be wary of bogus charity collectors.
It has listed its top tips to help publicans stop their customers being cheated in the run-up to Christmas.
A spokesman said: "The public are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about charity fundraising and are more likely to ask questions when approached by someone in a bar, club or pub.
"Publicans can do a lot to protect their own reputations and their customers' goodwill by asking the following questions when someone asks if they can collect for charity on their premises."
* Are they collecting for a registered charity? If so, what's the registered charity number - call 0845 3000 218 or visit the online register of charities at http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk to check that it's genuine.
* A registered company number isn't the same as a registered charity number, it just means that the organisation is registered with Companies House.
* Be suspicious of someone who says they're collecting for 'sick kids' or 'the homeless at Christmas' - what's the name of the charity?
* Do they have proof of a written agreement with the charity authorising them to collect on their behalf - a photocopied 'thank you for your donation' letter isn't the same thing. If in doubt, phone the charity to check.
* Can they tell you what proportion of the money they raise will go to the charity? Or, if they're paid, how much they're being paid?
The spokesman added: "Genuine charities will be happy to give you this information.
"Charities need every penny they can get so please help make sure your customers don't get taken in by those who use Christmas to help themselves at the expense of real charities."
