How can i be certain a chariy bag that is pushed through my door is genuine ?

Question

And the items are not being collected by someone who will sell them on at a car boot sale or e-bay.

Answer 1

If it is a genuine charity bag it'll have a charity reference number on it.  Some bags are for companies that sell the clothes they collect on for profit - they should say so on their bags.  My advice is not to fill the bags unless they're charity ones.

Answer 2

Check the paper for a contact number, real address and most importantly, a registered Charity number.

For added evidence you can Google the company name to see if they have a website, or if anyone has mentioned them on any other sites.

*****Don't give your clothes to the scammers! Watch this video below for more info, courtesy of The Real Hustle (BBC):

Answer 3

Best way to be sure you give to a viable charity, is to TAKE it in.  Salvation Army, and Goodwill WILL come to your door, and you will know they are genuine, as they will give you proof!

Answer 4

If it's not an organization you've heard of, look them up and find their business number. I personally wouldn't donate unless it was an organization I knew and trusted.

When it doubt, find the phone number (not one from the bag - find one from their official website or the phone book) and call to see if this was actually delivered by them. If not, don't use it because it's a scam.

Answer 5

See if there is a legitimate registered charity no.

Be particularly wary of organisations that collect cloths.

They are frequently not charities.  They fill containers with discarded western (chinese made) garments which are then SOLD in African countries at prices that undermine the indiginious textile industy (local jobs) without contributing anything to the wealth of the community.  Oxfam and Christian Aid are both very efficient charitys over here that will extract the value from much that you dont want and then put the funds to good use.

Answer 6

I know of a charity operating collections like this and they have a legitimate charity commission number. They sell the cloths abroad for profit .. They get away with it by giving a small  percentage to the cause and divert the rest. Yes they will loose their number eventually but then they start up another one and move on. Take it to a charity shop or give it to the well known ones such as age concern or the cancer research. Don't leave it outside the shop though, in my area people rip the bags open and take the "best bits" is that low or what?

Answer 7

The website below can help - on the charity bag should be a registered number and the website gives you details on how to check - however please be aware that some people who collect these bags on behalf of the charity may remove items for themselves - not all but it has been known that some individuals have helped themself