Bogus Charity Collections

Wessex Heartbeat would like to make it known that it is in no way connected to a bogus doorstep charity collection that is operating in Hampshire.

Trading Standards officers have been investigating complaints from anxious householders who have received bags and leaflets through their doors asking them to donate unwanted goods to a charity called Heartbeat UK.
The fliers state that the collections are being made by a company called 500 Ton Ltd, whose head office is based in Staffordshire.
Heartbeat UK is a genuine charity providing lifesaving equipment to emergency services and hospitals, and is in no way connected to 500 Ton Ltd.

Wessex Heartbeat's Chief Executive Officer, D'Arcy Myers said: "We make every effort to ensure we build lasting relationships with our supporters and would welcome the opportunity to talk to anyone concerned about these issues."

The leaflets being distributed give the false impression that items are being sought for charitable means while in reality, items collected from such scams are often sold on for profit. Residents are urged not to leave out any goods for collection in response to the leaflets and only to donate unwanted goods to charities they know and trust.

The Association of Charity shops estimates that over £1 million per annum is lost by charities as a result of bogus collections.