KIND Bromley residents are being targeted by tricksters posing as collectors for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Leaflets have been distributed asking residents to fill specially provided bags with unwanted clothes, shoes and bric-a-brac for collection.

The leaflet is headed “Great Ormond Street”, but the hospital knows nothing about the bags and the helpline number on the leaflet does not exist.

Bickley resident Elsa Lamb, 62, contacted News Shopper to alert others.

“It makes me angry. I think there are people who are just too busy to check up on these things and will leave all their unwanted belongings out thinking they will go towards helping charities.

“I was told you can make £35,000 a year selling these bags and that should be going to real charities.” Bromley Trading Standards is currently investigating the scam following a number of complaints.

“We would advise people not to leave their stuff out in the street unless they are absolutely convinced it is for a recognised charity,” said a spokesman.