There have been a few cases around the country where people have claimed to be collecting money on behalf of their local hospice, but pocketed the money themselves. Pendleside Hospice recently issued a warning to their local community about a number of bogus collectors.
The Charity Commission is urging charity trustees to take steps to minimise the risks posed by bogus collectors, and is encouraging the public not to be afraid to ask collectors questions to ensure they are genuine.
The Commission makes a number of suggestions for charity trustees such as:
- Making sure that official charity material, such as badges, tins and buckets, are collected promptly and that none are missing or tampered with.
- Making it clear to fundraisers that they need to comply with fundraising regulations.
- Taking action if someone is fundraising without a licence, or if someone is suspected of collecting fraudulently in the charity’s name.
More advice and information is available on the Charity Commission’s website.
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