The Charity Commission is warning the public of scams masquerading as appeals for migrant and animal causes.

Recent reports to Action Fraud have highlighted two scams where social media or email platforms are being used to encourage people to donate to fake appeals, including a fake migrant helpline.

The National Fraud Investigation Bureau has discovered criminal groups based in Spain or Cyprus are using social media to target donors from the UK with an appeal to tackle animal cruelty, the commission said.

The money is laundered from the UK to overseas, where it is diverted to support criminal activity in the UK or Europe.

Another scam sees fraudsters pretending to be Migrant Helpline, a genuine and legitimate charity, to trick members of the public into donating. The regulator stressed that the real Migrant Helpline is in no way connected to the fraudulent activity.

The perpetrators of the scam are sending out phishing emails to personal and business addresses, containing a link that downloads malware designed to steal bank account details when clicked.

"The British public donate millions of pounds every year to good causes, any attempt to abuse this generosity is reprehensible,” Charity Commission head of investigations and enforcement Carl Mehta said. “Do not be put off donating by these malicious scams, but follow the commission’s advice on safer giving."

People who suspect they have been targeted by fraudsters are urged to report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting wwwactionfraud.police.uk..

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