Be on guard for poppy-sale scam

Jeff Vernon

AN ex-serviceman is warning Oldhamers to be on their guard after uncovering what he suspects is a poppy-selling scam.

Jeff Vernon, a member of the Royal British Legion, was surprised when four youngsters knocked on his door trying to sell poppies.

But they weren’t even in a box — which led the former soldier to query where they were from.

The children, aged around 10, said their father had given them to sell on and that all the proceeds would be going to Children in Need.

They were then spotted knocking on doors in near-by Seville Street, Campania Street and Briton Street, Royton.

Mr Vernon said: “I work for the Royal British Legion and I sell poppies on the run up to Remembrance Day.

“I don’t know where these children got these poppies from but they weren’t in a proper box. It was only when I asked them that they said the money was going to Children in Need.

“I think it’s a disgrace that these poppies are being sold as some people may think their money is actually going to help ex-servicemen and their families. The money probably isn’t going to any charity at all. I just wanted to warn people”

Mr Vernon reported the incident to the police, but they are not investigating further.