A nationwide charity is warning residents of a fake charity collection bag scheme using its name across the UK.

Meningitis Now has recently discovered that its logo is being used on unauthorised clothes recycling bags, which are designed for people to donate their unwanted clothes, shoes, and other items, which are then collected at the roadside, often to raise money for charity.

The charity wishes to make it clear that it does not operate any such schemes and has no aggreement in place with other companies to collect clothes in this manner.

Stephen Service, policy manager at the Fundraising Regulator said: “While many clothing collections are legitimate, charity bag fraud is an increasingly common problem which makes victims of donors and charities alike.

“If in doubt, check with your local council directly before you give to ensure the collection is licensed.”

Dr Tom Nutt CEO at Meningitis Now said: “Sadly, this is an issue that affects the wider charity sector and not just Meningitis Now.”

“Charities rely on the generosity of public donations to help keep vital services running - at Meningitis Now this means ensuring that everyone affected by meningitis gets the support they need to rebuild their lives.”

“I would like to make it clear that these bags are fraudulent and nothing to do with Meningitis Now – please do not make any donations in this way.”

“We are working together with other charities and the charity regulator to minimise the impact that this type of behaviour has on the charity sector as a whole.”

Charity donation bags like this are usually hand-delivered and collected by vans.

The public should avoid challenging anyone seen delivering or collecting these bags, and instead report the incident to the charity.