Warning over Shropshire charity collectors
Friday 3rd June 2011, 4:00PM BST.
People were today warned to be on their guard against bogus charity collectors trying to dupe supporters of the Midlands Air Ambulance.
The collectors are using the name Air Ambulance Service and visiting homes across the region to ask for donations of clothing, shoes and handbags.
But Lucie Sissons, a spokeswoman for Midlands Air Ambulance, said: “The charity wishes to clarify that these collectors are in no way affiliated with the charity.”
As far as we can ascertain they are not licensed by any local authority and are clearly misleading the public by their claims and adopted identity.
“It is the fourth time in the past year that bogus charity collectors are known to have struck in the West Midlands and borders region suggesting to support the rapid response service.”
Jason Levy, head of fundraising and marketing at Midlands Air Ambulance, said the charity was working closely with the relevant authorities and a number of prosecutions were pending.
He said: “The simple fact of what they are doing undermines the whole basis of trust that governs our relationship with the public who so generously support and fund us and rightly expect that their donations actually go towards our live saving service.”
Mr Levy said that, if in doubt, residents should ask to see formal identification from collectors.
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How can people tell genuine collectors from fake collectors?
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The only way is not to give to these collectors and take unwanted item to the charity shops.
Like it or not we have scumbags who like to rip off charities for their own gain
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Who cares? if they take them away they do a better job than the council or veolia do – they just leave them behind so im pleased someone will take them now
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Repeat message with errors corrected.
Sorry Guy’s.
Mike
June 3, 2011 at 17:56
Hi CJ,
If you have access to the internet, you can check on the below link by entering the charity code number in the box provided.
This can be found (on the bag or in the letter),
http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/
If there is no number, then it is not genuine.
It is always worth running a check on the number shown, as some are fictitious.
Hope this helps.
Mike.
Read more: http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2011/06/03/warning-over-shropshire-charity-collectors/#ixzz1OEVk6hy3
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It is hard to tell fake collectors, they can so easily fake identity cards etc. In my opinion the best thing is to take any donations to a charity shop if possible or to donate money via the charity’s website. It’s a sad world when people in effect steal from charities and play on the generosity of others, shame on them.
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Just donate to the local Air Ambulance and read the plastic bag they push through your door.If in doubt check them out online.
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I reported getting these bags to the local Trading Standards and also the Midlands Air Ambulance charity a few months ago. I only live a very short distance from where they are based so know how busy they are. They need every penny.
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