A warning to charities that an old scam may be reappearing. A charity receives an unsolicited donation, usually in the form of a cheque. Charities are then told by the donor that the cheque is an overpayment and asked if they can send back a cheque covering the excess amount. If unsuspecting charities fall for this and repay part of the ‘donation’, they find that the
original cheque bounces, leaving them robbed of the amount they sent back.
The instances we’ve come across have involved charities that recognised if something appeared to be too good to be true, it probably was – and notified us, the Police and their local Trading Standards office. Fraudsters are,
unfortunately, inventive and charities should continue to be on the alert for scams like these.
How to get in touch with us
Charity Commission Direct for general queries and to contact any of our offices:
Charity Commission Direct
PO Box 1227
Liverpool
L69 3UG
Telephone: 0845 300 0218
Minicom: 0845 300 0219
Email: enquiries@charitycommission.gsi.gov.uk
