Red Cross scam?

**steve@offroadin** · 25th Nov 2008, 19:20

Just had someone claiming to be from the red cross trying to sign me up to donate money each month, not a problem, but they say they are not licenced to collect cash and wanted my bank details, name, address etc.
Is this some sort of scam or are the Red Cross sending people out door to door now? He had ID but I wouldn't know if it was fake, said thanks but no thanks.

**skip2** · 25th Nov 2008, 19:26

Door to door calling

Yeap had this lot, seem easten european to us and is if I'am going to give my details to some stranger on the door step.

However and this was a few weeks ago later while walking the dog caught the one of them with another going though the paper recycleing bags of a neighbour, so makes you think ?.

**steve@offroadin** · 25th Nov 2008, 19:29

Deffo of UK stock, Manchester way by the sound of it. Seemed v genuine, I just don't give my bank details out to a stranger at the door. IF it was lagit, the RC need to get a grip, ain't going to get anywhere cold calling, looks too suss

**Satancom** · 25th Nov 2008, 19:40

They do a local charity round my way. Take your bank details. They also have their cars all sign written and such, its all official but you wouldn't be blamed for thinking its a con. You could always drop the red cross a line?

**baz** · 25th Nov 2008, 19:51

why would they need your bank details. If genuine they can give you a form for you to send to your bank for standing order.

**Lighting90** · 25th Nov 2008, 19:52

I would contact the Red Cross, if it is a scam it could be confirmed and the Police can get involved to try and catch them before they take some poor pensioner to the cleaners for example.

If it isn't a scam, then it may just highlight to them that this method is not appropriate.

Alternative, get in touch with Watchdog on BBC, they would very quickly work it out because if it is a scam it is the sort of thing that would really grab headlines for them...

**saltireblue** · 25th Nov 2008, 19:56

Originally Posted by Lighting90

I would contact the Red Cross, if it is a scam it could be confirmed and the Police can get involved to try and catch them before they take some poor pensioner to the cleaners for example.

If it isn't a scam, then it may just highlight to them that this method is not appropriate.

Alternative, get in touch with Watchdog on BBC, they would very quickly work it out because if it is a scam it is the sort of thing that would really grab headlines for them...

excellent advise

**toppa** · 25th Nov 2008, 20:20

Yup give red cross a call.,

i did a project where we had lads surveying private sewer as part of the gov adoption of them, they had to knock doors, and although we did a letter drop,
i not only met the local cops, but called them every morning with lads names, vehicle reg's and the street they would be working in/knocking doors to get at manholes....

Save a whole lot of greif, and the local cops are only too happy for such comunication..

Cheers

**skip2** · 25th Nov 2008, 22:50

Originally Posted by Lighting90

I would contact the Red Cross, if it is a scam it could be confirmed and the Police can get involved to try and catch them before they take some poor pensioner to the cleaners for example.

If it isn't a scam, then it may just highlight to them that this method is not appropriate.

Alternative, get in touch with Watchdog on BBC, they would very quickly work it out because if it is a scam it is the sort of thing that would really grab headlines for them...

They just not interested, someone i know reported a similar scam couple months back told it was a civil case and no crimminal crime committed

Course if they were in a speeding car or even smoking in the vechcile it would be a police matter.

If you want to donate to some charity find one which exists like the lifeboat, put you cash in the little boat and it lauches itself, least you'll know it will most likly get there, theys one big building on the prom with a big blue boat in it.:biggrin:

**Cannonball Bob** · 25th Nov 2008, 23:01

Originally Posted by skip2

They just not interested, someone i know reported a similar scam couple months back

Does your neighbour ever go on holiday or just sit in doors, watching telly, keeping himself to himself?

**Barlow** · 25th Nov 2008, 23:30

They visited me for a direct debit. Wife already had the statement in her hand before I stopped her.
Looked legit but cold calling is not the way to go about raising money especially as a lot of OAP's live in this area who may be getting into something they aren't fully aware of.

**Lighting90** · 25th Nov 2008, 23:32

Originally Posted by skip2

They just not interested, someone i know reported a similar scam couple months back told it was a civil case and no crimminal crime committed

Strange, always thought fraud was illegal crime, rather than it been a civil case.

You must have a bad Police force in your area, as here, our's do get involved and do issue public warnings of any scams that might be happening.

**skip2** · 26th Nov 2008, 00:59

Originally Posted by Cannonball Bob

Does your neighbour ever go on holiday or just sit in doors, watching telly, keeping himself to himself?

Never said it was a neighbour did I ?

In fact it was a club member (non 4x4) who lives close by and just happened to have joined the 9 points club

**skip2** · 26th Nov 2008, 01:05

Originally Posted by Lighting90

Strange, always thought fraud was illegal crime, rather than it been a civil case.

You must have a bad Police force in your area, as here, our's do get involved and do issue public warnings of any scams that might be happening.

Out of a local survey (1,100) 80% claim that the North Wales Police are not doing there job.

"Its not a crimminal case" is on of the common responses from control room staff even if you ring a non 999 number.

Most people just don't bother any more reporting even quite serious crimes unless its for insurance purposes

**gahooduk** · 26th Nov 2008, 01:12

Originally Posted by Barlow

They visited me for a direct debit. Wife already had the statement in her hand before I stopped her.
Looked legit but cold calling is not the way to go about raising money especially as a lot of OAP's live in this area who may be getting into something they aren't fully aware of.

it also breaches the charity acts.....all chuggers do....a charity under charity commissioner rules has to disclose the collection premium/ % going to charity, ie thechuggers get a contribution for their salary....none ever tell you, so they are in breach of the rules

next time a chugger stops you , ask them why they breach charity commissioner rules