FAKE charity operators are targeting west London by dropping leaflets through letterboxes asking for clothes, shoes and electrical items to sell.

Ealing Council trading standards service said it knew of a number of people working in the borough who were asking for "donations" which were then sold on for profit rather than the money being given to good causes, as is implied.

Cllr Will Brooks, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "These unscrupulous operators deprive legitimate charities of valuable revenue.

"We're encouraging residents to be alert and help break their lucrative supply chain.

"Often their leaflets are worded in a way that encourages people to assume that their clothes are being collected for charity.

"Yet, when you read the fine print, many state they are not a registered charity.

"Some even admit that items will be sold on to second hand shops in eastern Europe."

The council has teamed up with Consumer Direct London to warn residents about the dodgy clothing collectors.

Consumer Direct London spokesman Andrew Lindstrom said: "This isn't something new, it has been going on for many years.

"A bag of clothes can be worth around £10 in Eastern Europe.

"Some people may not care that their discarded items are not supporting charity, instead seeing it as an easy opportunity to get rid of old clothes or other unwanted items.

"These operators may not actually be breaking the law if they are registered with Companies House and don't falsely claim to be a charity.

"Their leaflets often state we are not a charity' but the print is too small to be noticed."

The company has handled hundreds of calls from concerned Londoners about the scam.

Cllr Brooks added: "Previous action by trading standards officers has been hampered by a trail of bogus addresses and false company or charity numbers.

"We are urging residents to give their unwanted items to legitimate charities, instead of fuelling this profitable and dishonest trade."

bmbridger@london.newsquest.co.uk