Sham poppy sellers are swindling the families of dead war veterans out of thousands
FORCES charities are losing thousands of pounds to poppy sharks.
Dozens of websites have sprung up selling brooches, lapel badges and scarves.
But little, if any cash, goes to the families of military veterans killed or wounded in action.
Many of the scams are posted and widely shared on social media such as Facebook.
The Royal British Legion is launching legal action against two sites which it suspects are selling Remembrance Day merchandise improperly.
Heroes in Flanders Fields offers £12.95 lapel badges and says: “Proceeds benefit Royal British Legion”.
Another site, In Flanders Fields sells coins and badges under the heading: “We shall remember the sacrifice they gave for our freedom.”
‘EXPLOITING OUR CHARITY’
The Legion says it has not received any money from either and claims their use of the poppy symbol breaches copyright.
The flower is the charity’s official trademark and only partner companies are allowed to use it.
Labour MP Kevan Jones, a former Armed Forces minister, said: “It’s shocking that anyone would try to exploit one of our most valued charities.”
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In Flanders Fields said its lawyers were in talks with “the necessary parties”.
A spokesman added: “I can categorically confirm that this year’s donation will be submitted on November 11.
“We will be putting up a website link which will show our certificate for the donation.”
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