Complaints about bogus clothing collections rise 200 per cent 2

Fundraising | Celina Ribeiro | 1 Feb 2011

Public complaints about charity clothing collections have risen by more than 200 per cent, according to unofficial figures from the Fundraising Standards Board.

FRSB chief executive Alistair McLean told Civil Society that while the complaints regulator has yet to even collate annual returns of complaints from its 1,300 member charities, complaints from the public directly to the FRSB on the issue of charity collections has risen more than two-fold in the past six to 12 months.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in complaints being received from members of the public, which we redirect to our member charities where possible,” he said.

The 200 per cent rise in complaints does not suggest that the FRSB has suddenly been inundated with clothing collection complaints, however, as it is an increase on what had been a low level of complaints to begin with, said McLean. In final 2009 figures – which include data from member charities – there were 224 complaints about charity ‘door drops’.

Last year’s complaints, said McLean, pertained to both theft and bogus collections. McLean said that he had informed civil society minister Nick Hurd of the extent of this rise.

“Members of the public are upset about it,” said the chief executive.

Directory: Fundraising Standards Board
Who's Who: Alistair McLean | Nick Hurd

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Rarry Revan
Ranter
Rantingrules
2 Feb 2011

I don't think the FRSB should contact the ASA, otherwise they mighty have to admit that they aren't the only regulatory of charity fundraising and may get even more of a complex about the relevance of their role.

Kisses,

Rarry

[Reply]

Stewart Maltby
2 Feb 2011

If I were the FRSB I'd also contact the Advertising Standards Authority, as they've had many people submitting complaints, many of which have been upheld. I myself have written to the ASA complaining of bigus collection leaflets, which flooded my area, and both complaints were upheld by the ASA. Interestingly, bogus collection leaflets in my area have decreased significantly, only to be replaced by collection 'bags' put through the door. Is this a new tack we're seeing from bogus collectors? The big problem is that due to sheer saturation, people are unable to differentiate between a legitimate collection and a bogus one, which means that charities are suffering. It really is time to start thinking of ways ot combat this huge problem once and for all. The government has to do much more.

[Reply]

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