Local Senedd Member Paul Davies is urging people to check before giving to help ensure their donations reach genuine charities this Christmas. Action Fraud, the Charity Commission, and the Fundraising Regulator have all warned that while the vast majority of fundraising appeals and collections are genuine, criminals can set up fake charities, or even impersonate well-known charitable organisations, to deceive victims.
By giving to a registered, regulated charity this Christmas, people across Pembrokeshire can have assurance that their funds will be accounted for in line with charity law. To find out which charities are operating in Preseli Pembrokeshire please visit the Charity Commission’s improved Register of charities. With Action Fraud and the charity regulators, Mr Davies is urging everyone to follow some simple steps to ensure they have a #FraudFreeXmas this year.
Mr Davies said: “There has been so much community spirit shown by people across Pembrokeshire this year and I’d like to thank everyone for the efforts made to look out for vulnerable neighbours and residents. I also want to encourage those across Preseli Pembrokeshire who choose to donate this Christmas, to support registered charities and to be vigilant against ‘charity’ scams. It’s deeply concerning to hear that there are scams around and so please be vigilant and only give to registered charities.”
Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said: “Charities do incredibly important work, helping those in greatest need, especially at this time of year. Unfortunately, criminals will try to abuse the generosity and goodwill of others and this can have a huge financial impact on charities and the good causes they support.
“We would encourage people not to be put off donating to charities, but instead to be vigilant. Make sure you do your research and follow our simple steps to ensure you’re giving your money to a legitimate charity. Don’t let your donations end up in the wrong hands this Christmas.”
The Charity Commission has previously warned that the pandemic has created more fertile ground for fraudsters. Action Fraud reported earlier this year that it had received reports of a scam email, purporting to be from HM Government, asking for donations to the NHS as part of a ‘nationwide appeal in efforts against coronavirus’.
Helen Stephenson CBE, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said: “Christmas is always a time of generous charitable giving, and that’s to be celebrated. This year it comes as charities face immense financial strain after heroic efforts to support some of society’s most vulnerable people through the pandemic.
“This means it’s more important than ever to ensure that when we reach into our pockets, our festive contributions don’t go astray. That’s why we’re urging everyone to give with their head as well as their heart and check before they give.”
Gerald Oppenheim, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator, said: “The British public give generously to charities all year round, but even more so at Christmas. Fundraising this year takes on a greater importance after a tough time for so many, including charities whose public fundraising activities have been paused for much of 2020. Unfortunately, there are a small number of people who may try to take advantage of your festive goodwill, and direct donations away from legitimate charities.
“Whilst we encourage donors to keep giving, it is essential that you remain alert and aware for any unusual activity when making a donation. Be sure to carry out a few important checks before giving if you have any concerns. This includes checking to see if the charity is registered with the Fundraising Regulator, which means they are committed to maintaining good standards of fundraising practice.”
Previous research from the Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator revealed that less than half of people that give to charity usually make checks before donating.
Action Fraud, the Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator are therefore urging the public to follow some simple steps to ensure they have a #FraudFreeXmas this year.
Take the following steps to make sure your donations go to the right place:
• Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information. Look for the registered charity number on their website. You can check the charity name and registration number at https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information
• You can also check if a charity is registered with the Fundraising Regulator. All charities registered here have made a commitment to good fundraising practice: https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/directory
• If you’re approached by a collector on the street or at your door, ask to see the collector’s ID badge. You can also check whether the collector has a licence to fundraise with the local authority, or has the consent of the private site owner.
• Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and phone calls that ask for your personal or financial details – even if it’s in the name of a charity.
• To donate online, type in the address of the charity website yourself rather than clicking on a link. If in any doubt, contact the charity directly about donating.
• Be cautious when donating to an online fundraising page. Fake fundraising pages will often be badly written or have spelling mistakes. When donating to an online fundraising page, only donate to fundraising pages created by someone you know and trust.
After making these checks, if you think that a fundraising appeal or collection is fake, report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
