Shocking new figures have revealed that as little as one-third of items placed in charity bags make it to the shops.
Research by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland Shops also shows that the well-documented scam is still not hitting home with many people.
In Perth and Kinross alone, around 40% of householders who use these bags to are not aware of the existence of companies who sell donated goods overseas.
They believe that all of the profits go to their chosen charity, when the reality is that only a small percentage makes it to the organisation.
Those who have been made informed of the scams surrounding letterbox collection bags have described themselves as feeling “shocked, cheated and disheartened”.
The findings have been released by BHF Scotland Shops before they launch their Big Donation stock appeal next month, to help people make an informed choice of which charity to support.
As well as causing confusion, the rise in commercial activity has had a negative impact on legitimate organisations.
Over the last two years, BHF shops have seen a 36% drop in household collections, resulting in a financial loss of £495,000.
Retail director Mike Lucas said: “It is vital commercial companies be transparent on their charity bags, particularly around how much profit the name charity will actually make.
“Although this is a legal way to raise money, companies working for commercial gain are a huge problem for charities with high street shops.”
BHF Scotland Shops advises supporters to take any donations directly to a branch and to check charity bags and leaflets for information.
Visit
bhf.org.uk/bigdonation
(link) for more information.