'Bogus charity websites' probed by police

Reports of bogus charity websites set up in the wake of the Indian Ocean earthquake are being investigated, British police said today.

Scotland Yard said it was probing a “small number” of sites over allegations of fraud.

It warned anyone trying to swindle the public out of money meant to help the victims of the disasters would be “dealt with in the strongest terms”.

A spokesman said: “The Metropolitan Police Service treats all allegations of fraud, especially in circumstances such as these, extremely seriously.

“Anyone engaging this sort of activity can expect to be dealt with in the strongest possible terms.”

The Met reassured the public that donating money via the internet using a registered website was safe and it was “vitally important” people were not put off.

Genuine charities are all registered with the Charities Commission which lists them on its website.