PEOPLE are being urged to beware of bogus charity collectors by MP Julie Hilling.

The Bolton West MP said a poll commissioned by the Charity Commission and Fundraising Standards Board revealed that two in five adults do not make any checks when they are approached by someone claiming to be from a charity.

Tips for making sure a collector is genuine include checking the charity’s name and registration number on the Charity Commission’s website at charitycommission.gov.uk Genuine fundraising materials should feature the charity’s name, registered name and a landline contact number, rather than just a mobile number.

Ms Hilling said: “It is wonderful that residents want to help others at Christmas time. It is important that goodwill is not exploited by taking a few simple steps to ensure that a charity is genuine.

“It only takes a few minutes to check for a registered charity number, but these are vital steps to make sure that your money goes to the right place.”

Anyone with any suspicions should inform Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.