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We refer to the letter by Ms Cindy Lee, “Raising some concerns about groups soliciting donations” (Sept 29). 

All public appeals for donations require a valid House to House and Street Collections (HHSC) licence issued by the Police, or must be disclosed on the Commissioner of Charities’ (COC) Charity Portal (www.charities.gov.sg).

To ensure proper accounting of the funds collected, licensees must submit an audited statement of accounts within two months from the expiry of the licence to the Police or National Council of Social Service (NCSS). 

Registered charities must also submit their financial statements and annual reports to the COC which account for funds raised and used during the year. This ensures transparency and accountability. 

When responding to charity appeals, donors should practise the three steps of “Ask, Check, Give” to verify the legitimacy of the appeal before giving. Suspicious charitable fund-raising activities should be reported to the COC at mccy_charities@mccy.gov.sg. Those who suspect a fraud or scam should file a Police report immediately. More information can be found at www.go.gov.sg/safergiving.

Those who conduct unlicensed collections are liable for an offence of unlicensed HHSC under the HHSC Act and will be investigated by the Police. Anyone convicted for the offence of HHSC Without License under Section 3(2) of the HHSC Act may be liable for a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both.