Warning about telemarketing scam

Ashley Church of the Newmarket Business Association. Photo / Geoff Dale

An Auckland-based business association is warning people to avoid a telemarketing scam which is using its name to raise funds.

Bogus callers had been ringing homes around Auckland, claiming to represent the Newmarket Business Association and asking for a $35 donation to send kids to a holiday camp, association head Ashley Church said. The scammers were also posing as the Child Cancer Foundation.

"It is despicable that someone would use our name to take funds meant for sick kids to line their own pockets," Mr Church said.

He would be investigating if further action could be taken and would have no hesitation in pressing charges if the culprits could be identified.

The association was currently running an in-store appeal to raise funds to support victims of the Christchurch Earthquake - but was not involved in any telemarketing promotions, Mr Church said.

- NZPA