Cllr John Leech MP - MP's Fraud Warning

A little bird told me there is going to be a cracking little story in the Metro News dated Friday 19 January. Not yet appeared on the website. This is to be headlined: MP's fraud warning.

It will say something like:

AN MP is to give tips on spotting bogus causes.
Withington MP John Leech, pictured, has warned that
fraudsters are using more sophisticated techniques to
look like real campaigners.
He said: "When a political leaflet drops through your
letterbox you can make a few simple checks to find out
if it is genuine. The main giveaway is the FREEPOST
ADDRESS - a genuine campaign will have
a specific Labour number. If the organisation
is registered with Cowley Street it is definitely
a hoaxer, not a genuine cause.

Leaving this slightly amended version aside the clown Leech gives appalling advice. He says and I quote verbatim that "if the organisation is registered with Companies House it's definitely a business, not a charity".

Any fool, apart from this fool, knows that many charities ARE registered as companies limited by guarantee and may also have trading companies. In fact they HAVE to do the latter - register a trading company - by law if they have shops and other trading activity. And even if they do not trade there are good reasons for registering a CLG. Following Johno's advice would rule out Oxfam!

This is a serious problem. The last thing the people of Manchester Withington need is a lightweight MP who may be able to score a goal or two at parks football level but is way short of class and skills for the Westminister Division.

Terrific John! Keep the how to spot a fraudster advice coming won't you. We know you are an expert at this leaflet fraud game. Photos will follow when I find the "tidied up" lead at LoL Central.

Charity registration numbers can be checked with the Charity Commission on 0845 3000 218 or HERE.