HOUSEHOLDERS are being warned to be vigilant after Huddersfield homes were targeted in what trading watchdogs believe is a charity scam.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards has advised people donating money, clothes and other items to check organisations are operating legitimately.

It comes after dozens of anonymous leaflets were delivered to homes in the Cowcliffe area.

The leaflets, appealing for people to donate unwanted clothes, footwear and household linen, claimed items would be distributed in second-hand shops across Eastern Europe.

But the only identification provided on the leaflet was a business registration number which Trading Standards now believe to be false.

David Lodge, of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said the leaflets were typical of previous scams.

He said: "We have had these scams in Wakefield and Pontefract, but this is the first time I have heard of them in Huddersfield.

"They tend to be cleverly worded in such a way that sounds like they will be making a charitable donation.

"But any business has got to say who they are and ought to have a name and address on any literature so people know who they are dealing with.

"If they are not telling people I would certainly question the authenticity of the organisation."