Crimestoppers has launched a 24/7 reporting service in an attempt to tackle the estimated £1bn of charity fraud that occurs annually.

A charity itself, Crimestoppers says its new Charity Fraud Line will allow charity staff to report suspicions about colleagues or volunteers anonymously before Crimestoppers pass the information on to law enforcement providers. 

The service has been developed with the support of the Charity Commission and to complement anti-fraud measures already in place in the sector, such as the Voluntary Sector Fraud Group. It is an extension of Crimestoppers' Integrity Line, which was launched in 2005 to combat criminal activity in the private sector.

Crimestoppers founder and chairman, Lord Ashcroft, said: “As a charity itself, Crimestoppers is pleased to be launching this new service and supporting other third sector bodies that are being subject to fraud which has a huge financial impact on the good causes they work hard towards.

"A few individuals working within charities across the UK are causing significant losses to the generous donations given to various organisations by the public. This is why we are taking a stand and bridging the gap between giving information on criminal activity taking place both inside and outside the workplace."

Charity staff can call 08000 232 101 or go to www.charityfraudline.co.uk to report any suspicious activity relating to charity fraud.