The regulator is urging the public to ensure they are donating to genuine organisations when seeking to help the humanitarian relief effort for those impacted by the migrant crisis.

Hundreds of thousands of people are seeking to flee conflict-stricken Syria, and many thousands more are seeking asylum in the European Union to escape violence and poverty in their home nations. Many asylum seekers are living in poor conditions, and taking great risks to take refuge in other countries.

The Charity Commission said that many experienced registered charities are providing support, and has published advice to help members of the public ensure their donations go to legitimate organisations.

“There are laws around collecting money for charity in public which are there to protect donors and make sure that the money raised goes to a genuine charitable cause,” director of policy and communications Sarah Atkinson said. “Follow our advice to make sure that whether you give online, by phone or in person you are giving safely.”

People have been urged to check a charity’s name and registration number against the online charity search tool before giving.

The regulator recommended people check that public fundraisers have the required licence from the local authority - or the police in London, and check whether fundraisers are wearing proper ID badges and that collection tins are sealed.

“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,” the commission said.

Genuine fundraising materials should feature the charity’s name, registered name and a landline contact number, the regulator said, urging caution over materials that list only a mobile number.

The regulator suggested people ensure the process is secure where they give to radio and television appeals, and take care when responding to emails or clicking links to a charity’s website to ensure that they are genuine.

The public has been urged to report suspicious collections or appeals to Action Fraud, and inform the Charity Commission.

“Don’t be pressurised to give to a collection immediately,” the regulator said. “If in any doubt, donate directly to the charity.”

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