Investigation into charity wristband fraud

Real 'Social Alert Me' Wristbands

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Police are investigating a scam where fake charity wristbands have been sold fraudulently.

The scam relates to a missing person charity called 'Social Alert Me' which uses social media to send out alerts regarding missing people.

Between September 2013 and December 2013, the charity's wristbands were replicated and sold to the public under the guise of being a charity; however the money was never deposited with the charity.

Police are warning the public of the scam and asking anyone who believes they have bought a fake wristband to contact police.

Detective Constable Chris Clarke said: "It is believed that up to 5,000 fake charity wristbands have been produced and sold to unsuspecting members of the public.

"We would ask anyone who has bought one to get in touch with police.

"Social Alert Me (SAM) is a small charity but a genuine organisation which aims to get information out quickly about missing people using social media. If anyone wants to buy a genuine SAM wristband they can do so via the link on their Twitter account."

The genuine wristbands include the website address and #SAMAlert whereas the fake wristbands just have 'Help Missing Children' printed on them.

Two men, aged 32 and 31, have been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and have been police bailed pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 3910 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Social Alert Me website www.socialalertme.com