HOUSEHOLDERS are being warned of bogus charity collectors who are again knocking on doors claiming to be representatives from a life-saving organisation.
For the third time this year, scam collectors claiming to be from the Midlands Air Ambulance are putting leaflets through the letter boxes of homes in Burton requesting money, clothes, shoes and any goods that can be sold to raise cash.
The organisation in question uses the name ‘Air Ambulance Support’ and claims goods will be recycled to raise funds for the charity.
The Midlands Air Ambulance, which has a base at Tatenhill Airfield, has contacted the company and instructed them to ‘cease and desist’ their collections and remove all relating literature and online information with immediate effect.
Jason Levy, head of fund-raising and marketing for Midlands Air Ambulance, said: “The sad thing is they are duping decent members of the public into handing over clothing and other unwanted items that they then sell on for their own profit.
“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 saving lives.” Mr Levy believes the most effective way to prevent scam collectors is for the public to be aware and on their guard and ask for identification.
“A legitimate Midlands Air Ambulance collector will be able to show you formal identification bearing the charity’s correct logos and charity number.
“Where members of the public are approached by a suspected bogus collector, the charity urges them to make a note of the caller’s details and report their visit to Trading Standards and the police, as well as the charity itself,” Mr Levy added.
In June, the Mail reported how a pensioner broke down in tears after she had given a company called ‘Air Ambulance Service’ more than £1,000 in cash donations, as well as clothes, toys and mobile phones.
She made the donations after seeing a fake leaflet, similar to the one pictured, asking for items that could be recycled and sold in UK shops.
Further information about making donations to the Midlands Air Ambulance is available by telephoning 0800 8402040.
