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Swindon firefighters issue warning over Christmas market stall scams
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Swindon Fire Station has alerted potential Christmas market stallholders to fraudulent activity after scammers attempted to solicit money for stall bookings.
Swindon Fire Station has issued an urgent warning to local traders and community groups after scammers targeted those interested in taking part in its upcoming Christmas market. The event, which is scheduled for 12 December at the Drove Road site, is being held to support Koa Van Weenan, a toddler from Chippenham battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Fire service officials confirmed they have received 123 applications from interested stallholders. However, they have been alerted to at least one instance where a fraudster attempted to convince an applicant to transfer £20 into an unknown bank account to secure a space.
A spokesperson for the station stated: We have been made aware that scammers are targeting people who have commented on our posts for updates on the Christmas market. They are asking to send money to a bank account to secure a stall! Please do not send money to anyone who contacts you via Facebook to secure a stall - this is not us!
The fire service emphasised that it is still in the planning stages for the event and will not request payments for stalls via social media platforms. Anyone who has expressed an interest in holding a stall is advised to check their emails, as the station is communicating with applicants through official channels only.
The market is being organised to raise funds for Koa, who was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma shortly after his first birthday. While he has made progress through initial treatments, his family is seeking to raise over £150,000 to fund private treatment that could help prevent a relapse. Members of the public who wish to support the family can donate via their official fundraising page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/tiny-but-mighty-please-donate-to-support-koa-and-his-family.
Stallholders who have been approached by suspicious accounts are urged to ignore requests for payment and to report the interaction to the fire station directly through their official Facebook page or by visiting the Drove Road site.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original