Alert over tsunami aid cheats (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Alert over tsunami aid cheats

TRADING Standards officers are warning bogus charities may be using the tsunami disaster to con the public.

Officers at Wiltshire County Council say the tragedy has provided an ideal opportunity for those with less than charitable intentions to 'jump on the appeal bandwagon'.

They are urging people to check out collectors' credentials before donating and ask for their registered charity number.

Community support and education team leader Sue Wilkin said: "Please remember to take precautions to safeguard your own security.

"Just because people claim to be collecting for charity doesn't guarantee they aren't criminals."

Collectors' credentials can be verified by calling the Charity Commission on 0870 3330123.