'˜Rip-off' military fundraisers chased out of Mansfield by war veteran

Fundraisers did not have named ID badges and did not delcare that they were on contract, raising on behalf of the charity.

Fundraisers in Mansfield town centre claiming to support war heroes were left nursing their battle wounds after a veteran confronted them for “ripping off” the public.

Former soldier John Walker, aged 35, said he suspected a pair of collectors were not genuine, despite wearing jackets branded with Excalibur Unit – a small charity supporting military families.

John. who toured twice in Iraq said: “They were hassling people and getting in their faces.

I’m a veteran of the Army with 10 years’ service and I hate seeing people playing on the love of the Armed Forces to line their own pockets. There has been a massive increase in bogus collectors operating.

The two male fundraisers – who have been seen around the country – carried cards quoting the charity’s website and registered charity number, but did not display their names.

An Investigation has revealed the men work for a fundraising company called Orrsome Support Ltd, which is confirmed to keep 80 per cent of all merchandise sales.

Charity regulations state any professional fundraisera collecting on a contract must identify themselves as being seperate to the charity.

Lorry driver John, who lives in Forest town who left the army as a Corporal in the Queen’s Royal Lancers, also reported the pair to police and an online group called the Walter Mitty Hunters’ Club, which specialises in “shaming” fraudsters claiming to be war veterans, which they call “Walts” in reference to the famous fictional fantasist.

John added: “These con men are out to make a living. Everyone should be on their guard because if they knew 80 percent was kept they wouldn’t donate.”

Wendy Read, a trustee of Excalibur Unit confirmed Orrsome Support were in Mansfield over Christmas and also quoted the 80 per cent profit margin, although 100 per cent of cash donations go to the charity, she said.

Andy Gregory, of the Royal British Legion, said people posing as fundraisers is becoming increasingly common.

He said: “Fundraisers need permits to collect and it’s up to us all to challenge them, because this can lead to a loss of trust from the public.

“It’s not the established charities like us which suffer, but the smaller charities who do some smashing work.

“People like this reduce the public’s trust in them.”

More information about regulation of charity fundraising can be viewed here.