SOCIAL media is being used to con the public into donating money to fake animal welfare charities, North Yorkshire Police has warned.
It says criminal groups based in Spain or Cyprus are targeting people in the UK for money which is then laundered overseas to support criminal lifestyles.
The scam begins with the offenders canvassing for contributions through their existing social networks, which expand over time, attracting more donors.
A police spokesperson said: “Criminal groups based in Spain or Cyprus and are using social media to target donors from the UK. The money is then laundered from the UK to overseas and rather than be used to tackle animal cruelty it is simply used to support a criminal lifestyle in the sun.”
Police say legitimate charities are registered with the Charity Commission and print registration details on all documents and electronic communication.
People can also check with the Charity Commission by ringing 0845 300 0218 or by visiting http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk, where they have an online charity register.
Further information is available via the government website; gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission/about
Anyone affected by a fraud, can report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or visit actionfraud.police.uk
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