Charity regulator warns of fraudulent letters

The Charity Commission for England and Wales has issued a warning to charities about fraudulent letters being sent in its name. These letters falsely claim to be from the Commission and request sensitive financial and governance information from charities. The regulator has confirmed that it does not send unsolicited letters asking for such details and is urging charities to be extra cautious.

This scam highlights the growing risk of fraud within the sector, as cybercriminals attempt to exploit charities’ trust in official communications. The Commission advises all charities to verify the authenticity of any unexpected correspondence before responding. If a charity receives a suspicious letter, it should contact the Charity Commission directly using official contact details and report any concerns to Action Fraud.

To protect against fraud, charities should implement strong internal controls, educate staff and trustees on identifying scams, and ensure all official communications are handled securely. By remaining vigilant, charities can help safeguard their funds and sensitive information from fraudulent activity.

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