Investigation Into Charity Clothing Bag Scam

TRADING standards officers are investigating charity bag collection scams after misleading leaflets have been distributed in the area leading people to believe they are donating to Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA).

A leaflet has been put through doors in the areas served by the WNAA, by an organisation that has no connection to any of the legitimate UK air ambulance charities. The leaflet is headed Air Ambulance Service, but closer inspection reveals a text costs an extortionate £5 and phone calls £1.50 per minute.

A spokesperson for WNAA said: “The leaflet is very misleading and could easily lead people into thinking they are supporting our vital life-saving service. As a registered charity we rely on voluntary income to keep us flying and saving lives and it is upsetting that this company seems to be confusing people over who they are supporting. I would therefore urge supporters to look for our registered charity number (1098874) when making a donation.”

A spokesman for Warwickshire Trading Standards Service said: “I can confirm that we are aware of this ‘air ambulance’ collection and have issued warnings about it. Warwickshire trading standards service takes any reports of members of the public being deceived or misled very seriously. Where such reports are made to the service we will endeavour to investigate and take the appropriate action.

“Should members of the public have any information, leaflets, vehicle registration numbers, or descriptions of collectors etc that they feel may be of help to trading standards officers investigating clothing collection companies they believe are making misleading claims, they should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506. All information will be treated confidentially.”

In a similar fashion, Bidford residents have been targeted by an illegitimate clothing collection claiming to raise funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

A number of residents have reported receiving the leaflets from Clothman Ltd that claim a donation of £100 will be made to Breakthrough Breast Cancer for every tonne of clothes collected. The leaflets feature a pink ribbon symbol and Breakthrough’s registered charity number.

Chris Askew, the charity’s director of fundraising, said: “Breakthrough Breast Cancer does not receive funding from Clothman Ltd and we are saddened that the suggestion of a charity donation is playing a part in this scam.”

Trading Standards and the police are investigating Clothman Ltd. If residents receive a leaflet from Clothman Ltd they should report it to supporterenquiry@ breakthrough.org.uk Householders should check the charity number printed on the flyer or bag at www.charity-commission. gov.uk to ensure their donations are going to a genuine charitable cause. Consumers should report collectors who are falsely claiming to be charitable causes to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Posted: Thursday 10th June.