Christina Rees, MP for Neath, has joined charity regulators and Action Fraud to help people in Neath ensure they give to genuine registered charities this Christmas. Figures from the National Fraud Reporting Centre show that almost £350,000 of charitable donations ended up in the pockets of criminals over the festive period last year.
Christina is urging people to check before giving to help ensure their donations reach genuine charities this Christmas. Action Fraud, the Charity Commission, and the Fundraising Regulator have warned that while the vast majority of fundraising appeals and collections are genuine, criminals can set up fake charities, or even impersonate well-known charitable organisations, to deceive victims.
By giving to a registered, regulated charity this Christmas, people in Neath can have assurance that donations will be used as intended. To find out which charities are operating in Neath please visit the Charity Commission’s improved Register of Charities: https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information.
Christina Rees MP said:
“I have been so impressed by the dedication and generosity shown by our community groups and charities in Neath over the past year, and I know that many constituents will be planning to make charitable donations over the festive period.
“If you are making a donation, please make sure you stay vigilant against scams and ensure you donate only to registered charities. That way, you will know that your contribution will help those who need it most – rather than lining the pockets of scammers”.
