# How to give safely during the Olympic Games

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2012/07/24/how-give-safely-during-olympic-games/
- Published: 2012-07-24T12:00:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales,
has published advice on how people can give safely to charity during the Olympic
Games.

It says that, with an estimated 1.2 million visitors coming to the UK for the Games
during July and August, the period provides an excellent opportunity for charities
to demonstrate the work that they do to many people. Equally it is an opportunity
for criminals to take advantage of the public’s and visitors’ generosity.

Consequently it has advised people to check if the charity they are donating to 
is registered and to follow its safer giving advice. This covers giving cash to 
public collections as well as other fundraising methods, including giving online
and giving in response to TV appeals.

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Michelle Russell, Head of Investigations & Enforcement at the Charity Commission
said: “Visitors to London during the Olympics wishing to donate money to charities
should ensure that charities are registered with the Charity Commission. Our online
register of charities makes it easy for people to check whether an organisation 
is a registered charity and that its registered number is valid before giving.”

“The Charity Commission is also urging any organisations which are charitable and
are required to register to do so online on the Charity Commission’s website and
reminding registered charities who are fundraising during this period to ensure 
they comply with the legal and good practice requirements.”

Stephen Harrison, Chief Executive, National Fraud Authority added: “We would encourage
anyone who has been a victim, or who has information about a fundraising scam, to
report this activity to [Action Fraud](http://www.actionfraud.police.uk), the national
fraud and internet crime reporting service.”

www.charitycommission.gov.uk