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PRESS RELEASE

BEWARE OF BOGUS CHARITY WRISTBANDS, WARN TRADING STANDARDS OFFICERS

Trading Standards professionals are urging consumers to be on their guard against unscrupulous conmen who are cashing in on the craze for brightly coloured charity wristbands.

The Trading Standards Institute (TSI) is concerned about growing reports of counterfeit wristbands being sold on Britain's streets, and the resulting impact on the consumer, who believes they are giving to a good cause, and the charity, which never receives the money.

West Yorkshire trading standards officers recently swooped on street traders in Leeds city centre, who were selling fake 'Livestrong' wristbands for between £1 and £2 each, as opposed to the recommended 70p to £1.

Meanwhile, local press in Glasgow also reported Illegal copies of 'Livestrong' bands being found in a 24-hour newsagent.  The City Council is on the lookout for more .

Bryan Lewin, TSI Lead Officer for Counterfeiting, said: "TSI deplore the increasing number of people who want to make money from charities by taking advantage of consumers in this way. It is despicable that they are taking away money from such worthy causes and conning the consumer to make money, and sometimes committing criminal offences."

He urged people to buy wristbands from official outlets such as registered charity websites, well-known high street retailers and charity shops.

The worldwide appeal for charity wristbands started with the launch of the yellow 'Livestrong' bracelet in aid of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, set up by the six times Tour de France winner to highlight his crusade against cancer. Sport and pop idols pictured wearing wristbands have helped boost their appeal to youngsters and made them must-have fashion accessories. Even the Prime Minister has been spotted sporting a Make Poverty History wristband.

Other charities and causes, such as Breast Cancer Care and anti-racism, are using bands to raise funds and awareness.

Marcus O'Shea, Head of Fundraising for Breast Cancer Care, has also slammed the illegal trade in charity wristbands.

"If people were making fake Nike trainers they'd have legal teams on it in seconds," he said. "Charities and their umbrella bodies need to step in and really hammer down on the counterfeiters and profiteering."

He added: "Breast Cancer Care is greatly concerned about people profiteering by selling wristbands at inflated prices to people who believe that they are genuinely supporting a charity. This is why we're working with the Charities Commission and the Institute of Fundraising to co-ordinate a response and find a solution."