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Flyer may not be from charity
IT paints a sad picture of the third world – children with pained expressions and arms outstretched behind barbed wire.
Reading the accompanying words the message is clear – they need our help.
This is an appeal asking for unwanted clothes that is currently doing the rounds in West Yorkshire.
But do not be fooled that your items will be given away to people in need for free.
Behind this particular clothing collection is 42-year-old Lithuanian businessman Gintaras Ragauskas of Rutex Ltd, who is out to make money.
Note that he does not ask for "donations" and while he says that items will be "sorted and worn again", by whom or how is not made clear.
The West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service has received complaints about Rutex Ltd in recent weeks.
But David Lodge, WYTS manager, reminded readers that collections for profit are not necessarily illegal.
He said: "What we are dealing with here are people's assumptions and expectations.
"Certain people will presume that a flyer is asking for charitable donations, when obviously it isn't.
"Providing that the business doesn't make any representations that they are a charity and they are just inviting people to give, then it isn't illegal.
"There's a lot of value for registered businesses in recycling and with a global recession there are a lot of them collecting at present.
"We would advise consumers to be circumvent and cautious; to read the literature carefully.
"If you get a flyer from a business, its company registration number should be given, which can be checked out at Companies House.
To find out more or check that a charity is genuine go to www.charity-commission.gov.uk/ or call 0845 3000 218.
Or for more information about a business go to www.companieshouse. gov.uk.
Call Consumer Direct with concerns about traders on 08454 040506.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
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