"Helping Arms"

Elsewhere

I visited my in-laws today and noticed on their doorstep a
collection bag for unwanted clothes etc. The packaging, though it does not
explicitly state there is any connection with charity, is obviously designed
to be confused with genuine charity collection bags.

As charities are alreading suffering because people cannot afford to donate,
I wondered if anyone knew who would be able to alert the public to the methods of this "Helping Arms" company. I have already emailed my local newspaper.

I suspect that they are not breaking the law but I am sure they are fooling many people into giving them items which would otherwise go to actual charities.

SueMaggie

Some information from Consumer Direct below -

http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch_out/scams/bogus-charity-collection/

GiveItBack

probably right - there's a few companies doing this.

There are also some who collect on behalf of a charity, sort / sell so the charity gets the cash / goods - but they will always say.

if there's no registered charity number, it's not a charity. if there's no information, they'd get nothing from me.

horsechestnut

I put things that are unsuitable for charities in these bags. e.g. underwear or badly worn items. I have heard that the just recycle the fabric, so I would sooner do this than let it go to land-fill.

My good stuff I take directly to the many charity shops in my area.