Heartless scam
BREASTCancer sufferers in Essex are being robbed of vital funds by unscrupulous foreign gangs running a fake clothing collection scam.
And this week both Essex Trading Standards and Breakthrough Breast Cancer Trust warned residents not to fall for this elaborate fraud.
The collection scam was uncovered by journalist Peter Faulkner, who runs Who Can You Trust, set up specifically to help elderly residents in Essex safeguard themselves from all forms of fraud at the doorstep, on the phone, on the internet and in the mail.
WCYT, based in Benfleet, received a leaflet this week claiming to be a clothes collection in support of Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity and asking residents to leave clothing parcels out for collection.
Peter investigated the organisation involved, Clothman Limited, because the only contact details it gave were a mobile phone number – usually a sign that the organisation may be operating illegally.
He discovered four things:
That a number of residents reported receiving the leaflets from Clothman Ltd which claimed 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.
That Clothman Limited are running the scam nationwide and that Trading Standards all across the country have now been alerted and asked to issue warnings about the gangs.
The company, registered at Cardigan Terrace Heaton, Newcastle Upon Tyne, was dissolved in April this year so it is also trading illegally.
And the mobile number on their leaflets is a private householder, who is fed up with the calls she keeps getting.
Peter's investigations have brought a swift response from both Essex Trading Standards and Breakthrough Breast Cancer, who hit back this week.
Chris Askew Director of Fundraising at Breakthrough Breast Cancer says: "Breakthrough Breast Cancer does not receive funding from Clothman Limited and we are saddened that the suggestion of a charity donation is playing a part in this scam.
"Breakthrough would encourage people in Essex who want to donate unwanted clothing and household items to take them directly to a charity shop, as this will ensure that the full value of the donations will go to a legitimate cause.
“There are a number of ways that people can support Breakthrough's life-saving work towards a future free from the fear of breast cancer and these can be found on our website breakthrough.org.uk."
Essex Trading Standards responded to the scam by saying: “We wish to warn all local residents to be aware of any leaflets they receive through their letterboxes which imply that they are collecting clothing for charity.
“The leaflets ask people to donate clothes often feature the phrase ‘We Urgently Need Clothing’, which could lead householders into thinking that this scheme is a charitable clothing collection. However, in a number of cases these companies are selling the goods purely for profit.
“We would advise residents to read the information on the leaflets very carefully, as there often disclaimers in the small print that say that the clothes will not be donated to charitable causes.
A genuine charity collection will give a Charity Commission number which can be checked by calling 0845 300 0218.
If residents do want to donate clothes we would advise them only to use the collection bags which are distributed by recognised charities. Alternatively you can take your items directly to a local charity shop. For further advice contact Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506.”
Essex police news
Jail for evil con gang
GIPSIES who fleeced vulnerable old people out of nearly £200,000 by hugely overcharging for simple household jobs have been sent to prison.
The callous gang's 11 victims included a 94-year-old woman who paid almost £70,000 for roof repairs.
The work was actually worth just £250. An Alzheimer's sufferer aged 88 parted with £39,700 for a job worth £780.
And an 83-year-old forked out £39,100 for guttering work worth less than £1,000.
The five-man gang struck across Gloucestershire, singling out elderly women living alone who they thought were "ripe for the picking". Many victims, all aged between 81 and 94, were confused.
The work carried out during the five-year scam was "shoddy and vastly overpriced" Bristol Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Stephen Mooney said the gang "ruthlessly preyed on elderly, vulnerable and trusting people with large savings". He added: "They returned to victims to extract money over and over again."
The five, led by David Evans, 57, and sons Buddy, 22, and Shannon, 21, admitted conspiracy to defraud. David got six years, four months, Buddy 5½ years, Shannon three years, seven months, Patrick Maughan, 21, 2½ years and Steven Maloney, 20, 13 months.
Investigators have found that people selling their gold through their high street jeweller will get a far better deal than if they used the new wave of celebrity-backed buyers advertising on television and radio.
IF you want to send us your Neighbourhood Watch news go to our community news page to see where to send your articles.
Warning about phone sales con
BASILDON Council and local police are warning about telephone sales people who are exploiting fears over recent crime stories to peddle home security systems.
A 17-year-old was stabbed near the Norwich Walk shopping parade, on Basildon’s Craylands estate on August 23. The following day, a 27-year-old man was stabbed in Maydells, Pitsea.
The authorities were contacted by a pensioner who was called by a salesman, posing as a Basildon Council official.
He suggested the man needed to buy a security system to avoid falling victim to a similar attack.
The man, who asked not to be named, told the Echo: “He knew a lot of my personal details, such as my postcode, but I was suspicious straight away. When I told him my son was in the police, he put the phone down on me.”
Both the council and the police are keen to stress they would never pay anyone to cold call on their behalf.
Richard Moore, councillor responsible for customer services, said: “I am absolutely disgusted by this sick scam. Telephone sales staff should not try to frighten people into buying goods or services.
“I am grateful to this vigilant resident for taking the time to let us know so we can warn others.”
Earlier this month, householders had similar calls from sales people claiming to be selling security systems at the behest of the police.
Basildon police district commander Chief Insp Rachel Wood, said: “I’m absolutely appalled any company would prey on residents’ fear to talk them into buying a security product.
“The recent crimes in Basildon are being fully investigated and I can reassure residents Basildon is still a safe place to live and visit.
“Investing in a security system is a good way to up home security, but people should never feel pressured by anyone selling over the telephone.”
Essex Police crime reduction officer Michael Armstrong said the force did offer free home security surveys and could recommend the most suitable security systems.
Any callers or visitors claiming to represent Basildon Council can be quickly and easily checked out by calling 01268 533333.
To arrange a free police security survey, call Mick Armstrong on 0300 3334444, extension 380386, or e-mail michael.armstrong @essex.pnn.police.uk
If you are being contacted by companies demanding payment for advertising publishing they say you agreed to months ago go to www.adscams.co.uk and find out how they are conning customers.
Rochford District Council has started a campaign to ensure local shops survive the threat from regional shopping centres like Lakeside and Bluewater
For news and lifestyle features log onto www.alltheessexnews.moonfruit.com
For professional advice on scams, go to www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or www.oft.gov.uk
Who Can You Trust ?
Community interest company
www.whocanyoutrust.org.uk
Useful Links
