Householders are being warned to be on their guard against bogus charity collectors.

Consumer Direct Yorkshire & Humber has issued the plea after receiving complaints from several residents about misleading fliers put through letterboxes.

The fliers ask householders to leave unwanted clothing in a plastic bag outside for collection and give the impression the goods are to help needy people in the Third World and Eastern Europe.

But Consumer Direct, the Government's consumer advice agency, said that in fact the clothing was often sold on and the profits kept by the collectors.

Spokesman John Field said: "I would urge people to give direct to a genuine local charity shop rather than lining the pockets of these bogus charity collectors. There are plenty of charities that would welcome any unwanted clothing and household goods you want to dispose of."

He added that consumers should always look out for a registered charity number on literature.

For more information, call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or log on to www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

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