Newmarket Warns of Charity Telemarketing Scam

Media release

Newmarket Business Association

Monday, 7 March 2011

Newmarket Warns of Charity Telemarketing Scam

The Newmarket Business Association is warning people to be avoid a telemarketing scam which is using the name of the Association to raise funds.

Newmarket Business Association head, Ashley Church, says he has been advised that someone is ringing homes around Auckland, claiming to represent the Association, and asking people to donate $35 to send sick kids to a Holiday Camp.

Mr Church says the scam was brought to his attention by the Child Cancer Foundation who are one of 3 causes the being falsely represented.

"Neither the Newmarket Business Association, nor the Child Cancer Foundation, have any involvement with, or knowledge of, these bogus fundraising calls - and it is despicable that someone would sink to the level of using our good name to take funds meant for sick kids to line their own pockets".

Mr Church says he will be investigating what further action can be taken and will have no hesitation in pressing charges if the culprits can be identified.

"New Zealand is the most generous country in the world and it would be an absolutely travesty if that spirit were to be curtailed because people can't be sure that the charity they're donating to is legitimate".

Mr Church says that the Newmarket Business Association is currently running an in-store appeal to raise funds to support victims of the Christchurch Earthquake - but is not involved in any telemarketing promotions of any kind at this point in time.

"If we were - details would be on our website at www.newmarket.co.nz"

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