The Charity Commission has sent this alert on behalf of the Environment Agency: criminals are currently targeting charities that own land across the South East of England.
They are approaching charities with offers of low-cost landscaping or resurfacing, sometimes in exchange for storing “soil” on their land.
This material is typically processed waste, leaving charities with hefty removal costs and substantial landfill taxes. Sites have been targeted in Berkshire, Surrey, and Hampshire and thousands of tonnes of processed waste has been tipped. Other areas may be vulnerable.
If your charity is approached by individuals or companies offering to do free or low-cost landscaping work, be suspicious and report your concerns promptly to the Environment Agency or anonymously via Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).
If your charity has been involved in this scam, please file a serious incident report with the Charity Commission.
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