How to check if that charity is all that charitable

There are many charity workers on the streets of Lincoln. But after one was discovered to be unregistered and embroiled in controversy we spoke to Charity commission press officer Tallulah Perez-Sphar who gave us tips on how to check if a charity is real or not.

1. Before giving, check the charity’s name and registration number. You can verify this at the Charity Commission’s website at www.charitycommission.gov.uk.
2. If approached by collectors, check whether they are wearing a proper ID badge and that any collection tin is sealed.
3. If in doubt, ask the collector for more information – a genuine fundraiser should be happy to answer questions and explain more about the work of the charity.
4. Genuine fundraising materials/websites should feature the charity’s name, registered name and a landline contact number. Be wary of those that list only a mobile number.
5. After making these checks, if you think that a collection or appeal is not legitimate, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and inform the Charity Commission.
6. If in any doubt, contact your favoured charity direct to make a donation.