Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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Local MP warns of bogus charity callers over the festive season
Local Lib Dem MP Norman Baker has this week warned local householders to make sure their good intentions aren’t exploited by bogus charity collectors collecting cash donations or clothing for charity.
While many of the leaflets pushed through our doors are genuine there are some who give the impression that they are benefiting the poor and needy but are actually delivered by businesses who simply keep the cash for themselves or sell clothing donations and pocket the proceeds.
Mr Baker has offered people in the local area the following tips from the Charity Commission which help to sort the bogus from the benevolent:
- Does the leaflet say the collection is for a registered charity? If so, what is the registered charity number – call 0845 3000 218 or visit the online register of charities at www.charitycommission.gov.uk to check that it is genuine.
- Does it only have a registered company number? This just means that the organisation is registered with Companies House as a business, not that it is a charity.
- Be suspicious of imprecise and vague descriptions of the cause which is being collected for and make sure it’s clear what the name of the charity is.
- Does the leaflet give an address and a landline? Mobile phone numbers or none at all can be a sign the organisation doesn’t want to answer questions.
Norman Baker MP said:
"Bogus charity collectors take money away from legitimate charities, particularly at this time of year, by taking advantage of people’s goodwill. Making the few simple checks suggested by the Charity Commission the next time a clothing leaflet or collection envelope drops through your letterbox makes it easier to sort real charities from bogus ones and will help to spell an end to unscrupulous businesses who are out to make a fast buck from the generosity of others."