Possible Scam

I’ve had this brought to my attention as being a possible scam. I received an email notifying me of this following situation.

Possible Scam-Charity Donations

Here’s the exact message:

“A teenager and child about the age of 10 are approaching people with a clip board asking for donations for a suicide charity. They are on their own and when questioned where their parents were one of them said that they are parking their car. These were first encountered in Storyhouse and when questioned extensively they suddenly disappeared. Please be aware“.

Now, I’m not judging either way. I don’t have any insight or information regarding this but see it as an option to flag it as it was presented to me as a possible scam.

In a follow up to this possible scam warning, I then had the message below sent to me which, in a way, may be related to the warning. Have you ever heard of Chuggers?

I hadn’t until yesterday as it happens.

Anyway, have a read of this and see if it resonates with you.

Possible Scam – Chuggers

In response to the above possible scam warning, this article was put to me:

“They sound very much like so-called “clipboard warriors” who operate on high streets across the land!

Those enthusiastic young people on the streets known as “chuggers” – charity muggers – are not there rattling a tin to ask for donations.

They want to have a conversation with you, especially if you’re aged under 35, about making a regular donation.

Charities have resorted to this street-based approach because people’s charity-giving habits have changed.

Every generation makes impulsive donations in response to particular events, but charities have found that young people don’t plan their giving in the way that their elders did.

The success of the Chuggers in signing up younger long-term donors shows us that the young are not less generous, they simply need to be nudged into planning their generosity.

However, Chuggers annoy many people, so they are now subject to legal regulation and even an outright ban in some boroughs. Councils have already started to clamp down on chuggers; so far 100 have signed agreements to limit fundraisers to specific days and shopping areas.

Rules developed by the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association also states that Chuggers are not allowed to follow us for more than three steps, or loiter near shop doorways or cashpoints, or accost us when we’re drunk, though that doesn’t seemed to have curbed the irritation of shoppers who simply don’t want to encounter them at all.

I am unsure if “Chuggers”/“clipboard warriors” come under any local instruction in CWaC PSPOs (Public Space Protection Orders) regarding their activities. A quick phone call to Chester City Council may have the answer 0300 123 8 123

Possible Scam – Interesting Stuff

An interesting piece and maybe something to be more wary of. Obviously we don’t want bona fide charitable causes to suffer. But in light of the above it may that we need to be that bit more careful.

My good pal, John from Blacon, has also provided a couple of very useful video clips for you to have a look at. The first one is very much tongue in cheek in many respects, but may actually work if put into practice. It shows you the best way to avoid the “charity clipboard warriors”.

Have a look, it’s only a couple of minutes long – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6Qcy6K3wiw

By the way, doesn’t the member of the public look a bit like Frank Lampard? Who, you might say? Exactly!!!!

Here’s a more serious video for you to consider – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi7SSQv-uXU – it’s about five minutes long.

To Engage With Chuggers Or Not

As I said, the opening part of the article may or not be a possible scam. But it may be worth being aware of.

Chuggers? Well, that’s up to you really. You may not mind being ambushed by the “clipboard warriors” and can cope well enough. You may even sign up for all the schemes. On the other hand it may be all of a huge hindrance. If the latter then all the more reason to watch the above videos and read John’s article above.

Thanks again John for the information. Much appreciated.

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

The above is the latest in a long line of truly great, inspiring blog posts!!! Come on…..somebody agree with me!!!

To see what else is included in my “Latest Blog Posts”section – have a look HERE.