PEOPLE are being warned about making donations to companies who they believe are authorised charities.

The warning from Lewisham and Greenwich Councils follows a recent leafleting campaign in Blackheath by the company Rutex Ltd, asking for donations of clothing and cosmetics.

Although the distinctive pink leaflet does include Rutex’s company number, it also includes a picture of a crying child with the words “thank you” and says it is an “urgently needed clothing collection”.

Last year, the Advertising Standards Authority upheld a complaint that a similar leaflet from Rutex was “misleading” and did not mention the clothes were being sold for profit.

Lewisham Council’s cabinet member for customer services Councillor Susan Wise said: “Usually, materials and leaflets produced by these sort of organisations look just like those used by legitimate charities.

“They are often professionally produced and make references to 'donations' so it would be very easy to be taken in by them. Anyone who's in doubt should check the small-print.”

Rutex was unavailable for comment.

If you have any concerns about such leaflets call the Charity Commission on 0845 300 0218.