LANCASHIRE residents are being warned not to hand over clothing to people or organisations claiming to recycle them on behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Crooks are using bags to collect clothing from people using outdated bags, and the money raised is not being passed onto the charity.

It has been reported that organisations have been distributing clothing recycling bags with Cystic Fibrosis Trust’s old red, white and blue logo, without the charity’s agreement.

The trust warns that these clothing collection requests are not real and anyone carrying them out is doing so illegally.

Lancashire police are now making inquiries into the illegal activities.

Other charities in the county have been hit by similar scams in the past.

The Air Ambulance Service complained to police when a hoax charity, simply calling itself ‘Air Ambulance Service’, sent out collection leaflets encouraging people to donate items such as clothing.

Iain Mcandrew, director of income generation at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “We are very grateful to all those who support the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and help raise vital funds for research.

“Unfortunately charities sometimes fall victim to criminal activity which is extremely damaging to the public’s confidence and could affect their willingness to continue with their generous support.

“We have reason to believe our old charity sacks carrying the old red, white and blue Cystic Fibrosis Trust logo are in circulation.

“These are no longer our official bags and should be disposed of immediately.

“Anyone who is in any doubt about the recycling bags they receive should contact the charities concerned to ensure they are genuine.”

The trust is calling on residents to provide them with any information they have about the disused sacks.

Anyone with any information about the charity sacks can let the Cystic Fibrosis Trust know by emailing them at recycling@cystic fibrosis.org.uk or by contacting the local police.