Beware the bogus charity collections in Bristol

This is an example of bogus charity leaflets and collection bags being put through the doors of Bristol residents.

This and other similar leaflets ask you to donate unwanted clothing and other goods by leaving them in bags outside your front door for collection.

One is from an organisation called Routex, the other says donations are needed to help with breast cancer research.

But the city council's trading standards department is warning people to be vigilant and always check the collecting company's details with the Charities Commission before making any donations.

Neither of the company names on these two leaflets are registered with the department, which regulates charities in the UK. Jonathan Martin, Bristol City Council's Trading Standards manager, said: "We are aware of a number of leaflets and bags being distributed in the city that falsely claim or imply they are collecting goods for a charity.

"Bogus charity collections not only mislead householders, but they deny genuine charities of vital donations. These bogus collections often quote a company registration number, which can easily be confused with a charity number.

"They are often simple leaflets or bags giving the impression the whole donation will be passed on for charity, sometimes using internationally recognised symbols such as the Pink Ribbon."

One Bristol resident, who did not want to be named, had one of the leaflets through her door recently.

She said: "I thought it looked a bit suspicious, and I looked them up online. I found articles saying they were a bogus charity.

"People should know they need to be careful and look out for these things – I noticed most of all because of the bad spelling."

Mr Martin said that genuine charities will always be registered with the Charities Commission.

Consumers can also report their concerns about bogus leaflets or bags to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.