Scammers using defence force support group to gather bogus donations
FIRST ON 7: Heartless scammers have targeted a charity that supports men and women in our defence force by trying to convince people to donate to a fraudulent criminal group.
The scam has been exposed just days out from Anzac Day commemorations, with veterans and the RSL wanting the culprits brought to justice.
Soldier On is a national organisation that supports serving and ex-serving men and women, helping them along the road to recovery.
There have been numerous reports from around the country of people purporting to be from the group calling people and asking for donations.
Soldier On spokesman Justin Brown described it "a really low act".
"This is the first time they've actually called the public, sometimes they do it face to face," he told 7 News.
The veteran added that doing it so close to Anzac Day is "pretty appalling thing for someone to do".
Mr Brown said it is unclear how many people have been duped or how much money has been unwittingly donated.
"I think there are members of the public that are very generous when they receive contact from an organisation, they're very keen to donate," Mr Brown said.
Federal police are believed to be investigating the scam and it is understood the number is known to them as it has been used in previous scams.
The RSL wants swift justice, with spokesman Tim Hanna calling for the full for the law to come down on them.
"I would hope they get a very heavy penalty for what they're undertaking," he said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
