KENT Police are advising people wishing to donate money to the Asian tsunami disaster appeal to be wary of bogus doorstep collectors.

Thanet Police's crime reduction officer Grahame Miller said most doorstep collectors were genuine but it was not uncommon for unscrupulous people to take advantage of public goodwill during humanitarian disasters.

He stressed: “Don’t give donations to people at the door unless you are satisfied that they are genuine. Most of them will probably be genuine, but giving to people at the door carries with it a much greater risk of you being ripped off by con artists.

“If you are in any doubt, about a charity collector don’t give them any money and contact the charity they are claiming to be collecting for or the police immediately.”

Thanet police recommend people use more secure methods, such as donating money directly at banks or charity offices, or via charity websites and telephone numbers.