Introducing the 'Real People' - Devon Air Ambulance Trust Door to Door Lottery Team

Added on: 18 February 2010

The Devon Air Ambulance Trust does not authorise anyone other than its lottery team to go door to door. However, since our report of alleged bogus collectors was publicised, our 4 real ones have been having a difficult time.

Having been told about an alleged bogus collector last week, our canvassers did their public duty by informing the Police, and the charity also issued a press release.  However this has now backfired, causing the reputation and future revenue of the service to suffer.

Heléna Holt, Chief Executive of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust said ‘Whenever possible we try and get our key messages across to the public with regard to our canvassers.  These include that they are always in branded clothing, and that they will have a photo ID, issued by the charity, highly visible on a branded lanyard strap around their neck.  With 71% of our 17,700+ lottery members playing via standing order, people may be asked to fill in their bank details, but they will never be asked for cash.’

She added ‘Whilst we wholeheartedly encourage people to be vigilant, our door to door agents are really suffering at the moment as no one wants to talk to them.  There are two simple ways to check that anyone who appears on your doorstep purporting to be from the charity is genuine.

1.    Ask to take a closer look at their ID.  It’s a plastic credit card type card, with Braille on the front, together with a photo of the representative, and an ID number which is unique to that person

2.    Ring us on 01392 469886 and check that our people are working in your area.  We are, of course, able to give descriptions, confirm names and also advise of the ID number

‘Of course if you are still in doubt please don’t part with your personal details.  If you prefer, our lottery form has a freepost response slip, so the form can be filled in at your leisure and then posted back to the charity’s HQ.’  

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