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, Chief Executive 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 info@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

Email Print Share |

How to Help Kidscape

Danger from Kidscape Imposters

False representations

Follow Kidscape on