Surrey County Council (SCC) is warning the public about a charity collection leaflet being distributed under the name of a company that has been dissolved.
The leaflet, which includes the name of W&W Help ltd, asks for donations of unwanted clothing, footwear and household linen. W&W Help was dissolved in March this year for failing to submit accounts.
Kay Hammond, SCC’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “These leaflets have been circulated county-wide and prey on the generosity of Surrey residents. This company should not be trading at all and it appears that the ‘donated’ goods are not passed on to those who need them, but are sold abroad for a profit.”
Head of Surrey trading standards Peter Denard advised residents who have any doubts about what the collections are for to contact the Charity Commission.
He said: “People should not be fooled by a company registration number on a leaflet. This is not the same as a registered charity number and the company involved may well be a commercial outfit.
“Most charity collection companies are legitimate and we do not want to discourage people from donating to such charities.”
The Charity Commission website address charity-commission.gov.uk. Alternatively call the SCC trading standards team on 01372 371700.
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