Essex Trading Standards officers are warning households not to be conned by bogus charity collectors this Christmas.
Some unscrupulous businesses have been targeting residents with leaflets implying they are collecting for charity, and asking people to donate clothes, toys and bric-a-brac which can be sold to raise money for good causes.
Cllr Peter Martin, cabinet member for planning, enterprise and regeneration at Essex County Council, said: "Anyone who collects for a charity must have a licence from the local district or borough council and display an ID badge. The best way to avoid being conned is to give to a charity directly."
Anyone who has doubts about a charity collector can contact their local district or borough council or the police to see if they have a licence to collect money. Alternatively call the Charity Commission fund-raising helpline on 020 7674 2502.
Published Tuesday, December 17, 2002
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