BLAENAU Gwent MP, Nick Smith is joining the campaign to ensure Blaenau Gwent’s festive spirit isn’t taken advantage of by conmen this Christmas.

Mr Smith has added his support to the ‘Safe Xmas’ campaign, which is aiming to protect people who are looking to donate during the holiday season.

Developed by the Charity Commission and Fundraising Standards Board, the campaign includes a festive tip checklist to ensure the money is going to the right places.

Mr Smith said: “Many charities are relying on money raised in the winter months to fund services throughout year.

“While charity fraud is rare, there are some people who try to abuse the generosity of others, cheating supporters and genuine charities out of much-needed donations.”

Mr Smith has been campaigning for the consumer throughout 2014, including backing Age Cymru’s Stop the Scammers campaign since its inception in March.

The campaign is urging people to search for a charity’s name, registration number and landline, ask for a collector's ID badge, find the logo showing the charity’s fundraising is regulated, ensure the collection device is sealed, look for extra information about charities on the Welsh Government website, make sure clothing collection bags are clearly branded with a charity’s details, always check the email and web links are genuine and if people are still unsure to contact the favourite charity directly.