TRADING Standards chiefs in Bournemouth and Poole are urging residents to be on their guard against scammers prepared to exploit the disaster in Japan for their own gain.

Poole council’s consumer protection team has been warned by government fraud busters that a number of charity scams are already operating under the guise of helping victims of last Friday’s devastating earthquake and tsunami.

And Bournemouth council’s trading standards chief Andy Sherriff has warned that with criminals prepared to exploit current concerns “the tragedy in Japan will be no different.”

Nearly 450,000 have been left homeless by the disaster after a tsunami hit the north east of the country, sweeping buildings before it and causing widespread devastation.

“There’s a huge amount of public goodwill in Bournemouth, with many people ready to support a variety of worthwhile causes, and bogus charities undermine that goodwill,” said Mr Sherriff.

He said residents shouldn’t rush to respond to appeals, but should take time to research the group asking for the money by checking credentials with the Charity Commission.

Authentic appeals often had arrangements with banks and building societies to allow donations in branches, he added, and warned residents to check online appeals for ties to “repeat donations” before signing up.

Poole council’s environment portfolio holder, Cllr Don Collier, urged residents to help people in Japan by donating to a charity of their choice, rather than responding to requests.

“We urge people not to click links on any unsolicited emails, or give payment details to any unsolicited callers either by mail, phone or door-to-door.

“Similarly, for anybody approached in the street, ask to see their charity card issued by the local authority from the area they are collecting in – every street collector should have one,” he said.