Danger from Kidscape Imposters
Like many other charities, Kidscape has discovered
that some people pretend to be working for us in order to obtain
money or goods by deception. We are most disturbed to find that
the most recent imposter tried to use the Kidscape name to get
close to children.
A woman from the North of England rang to say
that a man in her neighbourhood had Kidscape pamphlets and was
claiming to be a member of Kidscape staff. He told parents that
he was employed to drive children on trips and was later arrested
for child abuse. As a child protection charity, Kidscape is horrified
to think that such people are abusing our name in this way.
In cases earlier this year, we found a company pretending to
be Kidscape selling bogus safety games throughout the country.
When challenged about their relationship with Kidscape, the caller
became rude and hung up.
Michele Elliot, CEO of Kidscape, says: "Kidscape is a
small charity and we do not have representatives handing out leaflets
or ringing to ask for donations. We would love to track down these
people and report them to the police. So if you come into contact
with someone claiming to be a Kidscape representative, please contact
us.'
False representations
Kidscape does not try to fundraise by making
unsolicited telephone calls. There are several organisations
and individuals who claim either to represent or be connected
with Kidscape, and try to solicit donations or urge you to purchase
games and books - they are not from Kidscape.
We have been made aware in the past of schools being telephoned
and asked to donate £500 to help create educational materials.
The caller said they were from Kidscape and that the initiative
was backed by the police and local educations authorities. This
is not true and these people are not from Kidscape.
You can read some advice on what charities should supply
in terms of identification and documentation at this trading
standards web site - scroll down to the Rules relating
to Charities section.
If you have received any telephone calls from organisations
claiming to be Kidscape or representing Kidscape, we'd be grateful
if you could let us know. You can email us on webinfo@kidscape.org.uk or
contact us at the address below.
Kidscape
2 Grosvenor Gardens
London
SW1W 0DH
Helpline: 08451 205 204
General: 020 7730 3300
Fax: 020 7730 7081
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