Morally-bankrupt chancers have been preying on the good intentions of Bradford residents by exploiting the devastating situation in Pakistan for their own gain, it is feared.

Now people living and shopping on some of the city's busiest roads have been warned to be careful of “fraudsters and criminals” who may be operating in their area.

Dr Javed Bashir said that some are taking advantage of people’s generosity amid one of the most pressing humanitarian concerns in the world right now.

Pakistan has been wrecked by devastating floods, affecting an estimated 33 million – one in seven people – in the country.

It has been reported that over 1,300 people have also died.

Dr Bashir was keen to highlight the generosity of people in Bradford who have donated and held fundraising events to support the victims - but he also urged people to be mindful.

He claimed that some fraudulent fundraisers were targeting people in some suburbs of Bradford.

He added that people should only donate to registered charities to avoid money going into the wrong hands.

"Fundraisers are targeting motorists and shoppers in busy places like White Abbey Road, Ingleby Road, Great Horton Road and Leeds Road,” said Dr Bashir, who was born in Pakistan but grew up in Keighley.

“Many of these charities are unknown and unrecognised, therefore I urge people to check the names of charities and their registrations on the Charity Commission’s website, as well looking for a Fundraising Regulator badge, before making any donations.

“By doing this, donors will be able to avoid fraudulent appeals and support those people who desperately need our help.

“Fundraisers are also targeting mosques and collecting money outside them during Friday prayers, but it is important that people are confident that they are giving their donations to registered charities and that it is reaching deserving people.

“The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator have said that by supporting registered charities the public can be certain that donations will be regulated in line with charity law.

“Fraudsters and criminals sometimes take advantage of public generosity during emergencies by pretending to be charitable organisations, by carrying charity buckets, producing fake appeal websites and scam emails

“According to Charity Commission’s website, there are almost 2,000 charities working in Pakistan and millions of pounds are being donated every year, but how much of that money is actually spent on those who need it?”

West Yorkshire Police was approached for comment, but was unable to do so without a specific case being brought to its attention.

The Force recommended that people are aware of Action Fraud’s advice on donating to charity.

More information on safely supporting the victims in Pakistan can also be found here.