The council is warning people about fake charities.

Wandsworth is supporting a London-wide campaign to raise awareness about fraudulent charity collections.

In recent years some have been thought to be linked to organised crime and even terrorist activity.

Wandsworth’s community safety spokesman, Councillor Jonathan Cook, said: “Most collections and appeals will be quite legitimate and many people do want to make a donation to a charitable cause they support.

“However the uncomfortable truth is that some street collections are scams. In these instances people’s generosity may end up funding organised crime or even terrorist activity.

“This campaign is designed to make it harder for the criminals to pull the wool over people’s eyes and take advantage of the public’s generosity and kind-heartedness.The six key messages at the heart of this campaign can help prevent this.

“If people are in any doubt at all, they shouldn’t hand over any money. If they do want to support a particular good cause they can always make a donation online or over the phone later that day."

If you think a collection is not genuine, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or go to actionfraud.police.uk.


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