Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen is urging people to check before giving to charity to ensure their donations reach genuine organisations this Christmas.

Action Fraud, the Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator have warned that while the vast majority of fundraising appeals and collections are genuine, criminals can set up fake charities, or even impersonate well-known charitable organisations, to deceive victims.

By giving to a registered, regulated charity this Christmas, people in North West Leicestershire can have assurance that their funds will be accounted for in line with charity law.

To find out which charities are operating in North West Leicestershire please visit the Charity Commission's improved Register of charities.

With Action Fraud and the charity regulators, Mr Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire, is urging everyone to follow some simple steps to ensure they have a #FraudFreeXmas this year.

He said: "I have been heartened and encouraged to witness the generous community spirit that people across North West Leicestershire have demonstrated this year.

"I would like to thank all those who have been looking out for vulnerable neighbours and friends.

"I also want to encourage those across North West Leicestershire who choose to donate this Christmas, to support registered charities, and to be vigilant against 'charity' scams.

"Together, we can look after those in North West Leicestershire who need our help."

Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, added: "Charities do incredibly important work, helping those in greatest need, especially at this time of year.

"Unfortunately, criminals will try to abuse the generosity and goodwill of others and this can have a huge financial impact on charities and the good causes they support.

"We would encourage people not to be put off donating to charities, but instead to be vigilant.

"Make sure you do your research and follow our simple steps to ensure you're giving your money to a legitimate charity. Don't let your donations end up in the wrong hands this Christmas."

The Charity Commission has previously warned that the pandemic has created more fertile ground for fraudsters. Action Fraud reported earlier this year that it had received reports of a scam email, purporting to be from HM Government, asking for donations to the NHS as part of a 'nationwide appeal in efforts against coronavirus'.

Helen Stephenson CBE, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said: "Christmas is always a time of generous charitable giving, and that's to be celebrated.

"This year it comes as charities face immense financial strain after heroic efforts to support some of society's most vulnerable people through the pandemic.

"This means it's more important than ever to ensure that when we reach into our pockets, our festive contributions don't go astray. That's why we're urging everyone to give with their head as well as their heart and check before they give."

Previous research from the Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator revealed that less than half of people that give to charity usually make checks before donating."

• Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information. Look for the registered charity number on their website. You can check the charity name and registration number at HERE.

• You can also check if a charity is registered with the Fundraising Regulator. All charities registered HERE have made a commitment to good fundraising practice.

• If you're approached by a collector on the street or at your door, ask to see the collector's ID badge. You can also check whether the collector has a licence to fundraise with the local authority, or has the consent of the private site owner.

• Don't click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and phone calls that ask for your personal or financial details – even if it's in the name of a charity.

• To donate online, type in the address of the charity website yourself rather than clicking on a link. If in any doubt, contact the charity directly about donating.

• Be cautious when donating to an online fundraising page. Fake fundraising pages will often be badly written or have spelling mistakes. When donating to an online fundraising page, only donate to fundraising pages created by someone you know and trust.