PEOPLE across North Yorkshire are being told to be wary of giving money or used items to charitable causes that are not as they seem.

Recently, a door-to-door bogus charity collector was jailed after claiming to be collecting cash to help sick and injured animals.

According to trading standards officials the latest scam to hit the county is a clothes and shoes collection service operating in the Harrogate area.

Investigations have revealed that the money from the sale of these items may not be reaching the causes that donators are hoping to help.

Officials advise the public to be careful when dealing on the doorstep before parting with any money or goods.

The head of the county council's trading standards service, Graham Venn, said: "One of the oldest scams that takes place on the doorstep is the caller claiming they are collecting for charity.

"These people seem very sincere and genuine and it is our nature not to challenge them. The bogus caller knows this and relies on it. Genuine charity workers will not mind being asked to prove who they are."

Those who are unsure about a collection scheme being run in their area should contact trading standards on 0845 404 0506 for further advice and information.

The Northern Echo's Doorsteppers campaign aims to raise awareness of bogus callers and door-to-door salespeople.