Warning over collection scam.

FAMILIES are being warned to be on their guard against companies that give the false impression they are collecting clothing for charity. The advice comes after South Tyneside Council's trading standards team was learnt about plastic sacks being delivered to homes in packaging that could mislead people into believing they are giving to charity, when they are actually giving to a commercial operation.

Coun Joanne Bell, lead member for innovation, safer and stronger com-munitiessaid: "We want to help make people aware of the difference between charitable organisations and profit-making businesses.

"Leaflets or envelopes from a charity will always include a charity registration number. If you can't find one of these numbers, the likelihood is that the collection is being co-ordinated by a commercial organisation, not a charity shop.

"We know there are cases where people have donated clothing in good faith, which have then been sold on for profit.''

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