People must be able to trust charity. It is unfortunate that the occasional person will try and take advantage of the public's generosity by collecting for themselves rather than good causes. By working together the Charity Commission and the public can fight such exploitation.

Although the Charity Commission will take steps to deal with any dubious charity fund-raisers who are brought to our attention, the public are in the perfect position to stop the money going astray.

By taking a few simple steps you can ensure that your donation is going to the right cause.

• Always ask if the organisation is a registered charity. Check to see that a registration number is shown on the charity's literature and collecting tins. If the organisation is not registered it may not really be a charity even though it may be supporting a good cause (some charities do not have to register). Or it may be bogus. You can check whether an organisation is registered by ringing the Commission's Register of Charities.
• Ask if the person collecting represents the charity itself or if they are from a separate fund-raising organisation. If they are not from the charity ask what proportion of the donation will actually reach the charity and make a judgement as to whether you feel that it is reasonable.
• Look to see if the collecting box is sealed and if it bears the charity's name. It is not legal to collect in ordinary buckets and other open containers.
• Look to see if the collector has an official badge. Collectors must display identity permits. Don't be shy about inspecting them before parting with your money.
• Only make cheques payable to the charity itself.

Most collectors are honest and genuine and will be pleased to answer your questions. Bogus fund-raisers will be deterred under questioning. If you are suspicious about a collector tell us or your local police as soon as possible. Remember If you are in any doubt about the validity of the collector don't give.

The Charity Commission has powers of investigation where misconduct and wrongful use of charity money is suspected.