East Ayrshire Council Trading Standards have joined forces with the Charity Commission in a plea to help local charities amid the coronavirus crisis.

They have also teamed up with Action Fraud as they ask the public to donate to genuine registered charities during such tough times amid the Covid-19 lockdown.

It comes amid reports of scammer targeting vulnerable people posing as fundraisers collecting money for charity who are actually diverting the funds away from genuine causes.

Action Fraud and the local authority’s trading standards team have received reports of fraudsters seeking to exploit the pandemic by carrying out such actions.

So that is why the three organisations have joined forces to urge people to continue donating vital funds to charities – but do it in a safe way.

Simple checks people can carry out to ensure the charity’s validity include checking its name and registration number online, exercising the same caution as you would with any other online interaction and ignoring requests to donate through a money transfer company.

The council have also warned people if they are in doubt about an approach then they should stick with a charity they have a relationship with.

Councillor Jim McMahon said: “We have no hesitation in endorsing this national call from Trading Standards.

“It’s a two-fold issue. Right at the time when the demands on many of our charities are running higher than ever, many of the fundraising events on which they depend have been cancelled.

“So we’d encourage everyone who can to think about making donations if possible to help support the vital work they provide.

“Sadly, at the same time, we’re urging everyone to be very careful about who they donate to.

“These guidelines are a huge help, making sure everyone’s knows what to look for and how to keep themselves safe from scammers.

“If you’re giving, make sure it’s safe giving.”

Baroness Tina Stowell, chair of the Charity Commission, added: “British people have a proud tradition of charitable giving and this pandemic is already giving rise to that spirit of charity and community that brings people together.

“We want to ensure that people do so safely and in the most effective way possible so that people in need get help.”

 ****************

Scotland is in lockdown, shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We’re not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Cumnock Chronicle, and the vital local news service we’ve provided since 1901 is under threat.

Please consider supporting the Cumnock Chronicle  in whatever way you can – by paying just 90p for a copy of the paper, when you’re shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.

Thanks - and stay safe.