---
title: "Are charity collection bags through my door genuine?"
description: "Some are legitimate charity collections; others are commercial operators who may pay a charity only a small fee per tonne."
source: https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/answers/charity-collection-bags
retrieved: 2026-08-18T00:47:33.006Z
license: "Charity data © Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0"
---

Checking a charity

# Are charity collection bags through my door genuine?

**In short:** Some are legitimate charity collections; others are commercial operators who may pay a charity only a small fee per tonne. A genuine bag should state the charity’s name and registration number and explain who is collecting. If no registered charity is named, treat it as non-charitable.

Data from [CharityCompare editorial](https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/), last updated 12 August 2026.

Look up any stated charity number before leaving bags out. Details: [charity scams and fake appeals](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/guides/charity-scams-and-fake-appeals).

## Related questions

- [→ How do I check a CCNI Northern Ireland charity number?](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/answers/ccni-charity-check)
- [→ Are doorstep charity collectors legit?](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/answers/doorstep-charity-collectors)
- [→ How do I know if a UK charity is financially transparent?](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/answers/financially-transparent-charity)
- [→ How do I check a charity is registered?](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/answers/how-do-i-check-a-charity-is-registered)

Look up any UK charity's free Clarity Score from regulator filings.

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**Information only** — see [guides](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/guides) for more detail.