The Guide to Major Trusts 2025-26. DSC (Directory of Social Change)

Charity collection fraudsters target supermarkets

Howard Lake | 10 March 2005 | News

The Charity Commission is warning that some fraudsters are trying to con supermarkets into letting them hold collections on their premises, even quoting Comic Relief’s charity number.

The Charity Commission is advising supermarkets to be on their guard as bogus collectors using fake charity registration numbers attempt to persuade supermarkets to let them collect in their stores. The fraudsters are even using Comic Relief’s charity number in the hope this will boost their chances.

A vigilant staff member at Safeway’s Droitwich store, now part of the Morrisons group, exposed the scam when they were contacted by someone wanting to fundraise on its premises. The organisation gave a fake charity name, ‘Child’s Wish’, and the Comic Relief charity registration number. It was only when the supermarket contacted Comic Relief that it realised the charity didn’t exist.

Advertisement

Great Fundraising Organizations, by Alan Clayton. Buy now.

The Charity Commission is advising supermarkets and anyone donating over the weekend, to follow these simple steps when approached by a fundraiser:

Loading

Mastodon