Many people will be looking to donate to charities during the month of Ramadan.

While most fundraising appeals are genuine, there are sadly people who exploit the generosity of others for their own gain.

Gary Johnston, Service Manager for Public Protection and Environmental Health at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “During Ramadan, the Muslim community very generously give to many different causes in the UK and all over the world. 

“It is important that these donations go to properly registered and accountable charities to support important and deserving causes. I would encourage people to look at and follow the advice to make sure their donations get to the right place.”

Muslims across the world make charitable donations all year round but in particular during the holy month of Ramadan either through collections at the local mosque or via door-to-door and street collectors.

Most people who call at your door are genuine but some people collect donations under the pretense of charity, so residents should be on guard for bogus collectors.

If you are in doubt, ask for their identification, charity name and number or alternatively do not answer the door.  

If you are concerned, contact the police on 101, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or you can complete the online.

The safest way to make a donation is by using a secure banking system. A bank transfer will ensure your donation is secure and that it reaches its intended recipient.

There are many U.K based Islamic charities who work in poorer countries and welcome Zakat, Lillah & Sadqah.

If you want to give to a particular charity then visit their website, shop or office to obtain information on how you can donate online, by phone, post, via direct debit or directly to their bank account.

Alternatively if you are going to use a Money Service Bureau, ensure it is legitimate and registered with Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) who carry out checks to make sure that businesses are doing all they need to.

Money transfer services should only be used with people you know and trust. Never send money to a stranger using this method.

If your only option is to deliver the donation in person, there are a number of safeguards that you should be aware of, particularly if the intended recipient lives overseas.

For advice on carrying cash in and out of the U.K, phone 0845 010 9000 or click here

Alternatively, you can email HMRC if you have a Customs related enquiry: use the online Customs enquiry form on the HMRC website www.hmrc.gov.uk

For further information on making safe and secure donations, please click here

To speak to Lancashire Council of Mosques about charitable collections, call 01254 692289 or email enquiries@lancashiremosques.com

Top ten tips to make sure you give safely this Ramadan
1.  Before giving, check the charity’s name and registration number against the online charity search tool: Find a charity – register of charities.

2.    Fundraisers require a licence from the local authority to collect in a public place. Check that they have this. If the collection is in a privately owned place, check that they have the owner’s permission. To request a licence in Blackburn with Darwen contact: (01254) 267666.

3. When approached by collectors, check whether they are wearing a proper ID badge and that any collection tin is sealed.
4. If in doubt, ask the collector for more information – a genuine fundraiser should be happy to answer questions and explain more about the work of the charity.

5. Genuine fundraising materials should feature the charity’s name, registered name and a landline contact number. Be wary of those that list only a mobile number.

6. Make sure when you give to radio and television appeals that the process is secure. Ofcom lists the rules for radio and television charity appeals on its website: Licencing – Ofcom website.

7. Take care when responding to emails or clicking links to a charity’s website to ensure that they are genuine. Instead, search online for your chosen charity to check you have the right web address. For further guidance see: Guidance for donors – Get Safe Online.

8. Carefully review collection bags for clothing and household goods to ascertain whether they are from a genuine charity.

9. After making these checks, if you think that a collection or appeal is not legitimate, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and inform the Charity Commission: Action Fraud – Police.
10. Don’t be pressurised to give to a collection immediately. If in any doubt, donate directly to charity.

For more information please click here
On Street and House to House Collections this Ramadhan
Certain fundraising activities require a licence, namely Street Collections and House to House Collections.

Other forms of collections – including those in public spaces, such as train stations, shops and supermarkets do not require a licence and can be authorised by the proprietor/owner/manager.
Licences for Street Collections or House to House Collections are issued by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. 

Each Local Authority may make its own regulations with respect to where collections can take place and the manner in which those collections take place.

Information regarding collections and licencing can be obtained from the local authority.

To request a licence in Blackburn with Darwen contact: 01254 267666 or email publicprotection@blackburn.gov.uk