Trading standards are warning people to be on their guard against companies claiming to be collecting clothes for charity.
Derbyshire County Council has received complaints about various collection bags and leaflets being dropped off at houses claiming to benefit developing countries.
A number of different leaflets have been in circulation
The leaflets, delivered t
o homes in Alfreton, Ripley and North Wingfield, frequently use a fake charity number.
Closer inspection of the small print often reveals that the items collected will be sold on and not donated.
They may mention a limited company name and number which are often linked to a company that has been dissolved or is no longer trading.
Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community safety Clive Moesby said: "These organisations prey on the good nature of people.
"Although they are not always acting illegally, in many cases they are certainly misleading.
"If you want to make sure your clothes go to genuine charities, check the leaflet for a registered charity number and look on the Charity Commission's online register of charities to see if it appears.
"Our advice is to only donate items to a well-known charity or take goods direct to high street charity shops.
"Although people who give items may not suffer any losses the real victims are genuine charities who lose out on an estimated £2 million per year of donated goods."
Consumers can check Registered Charity numbers at
www.charity-commission.gov.uk or call 0845 3000218.
People can check limited company details at
www.companieshouse.gov.uk or call 0870 3333636.
If people have any concerns about leaflets that they have received they can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
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