The bogus Pudsey Bear fraudsters and the charities they left struggling
manchestereveningnews.co.ukIn May 2017, BBC Children in Need made a phone a call to Action Fraud - a national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
The charity which raises millions for sick, disabled and disadvantaged youngsters was concerned about a man claiming to collect for them, Lancs Live reports.
It later transpired that other charities - including the Christie hospital in Manchester - were also affected. David Levi, 47, had requested a fundraising pack from Children in Need - and asked if he could collect 90 per cent commission on the takings. READ MORE: Woman and child killed in horror crash - as police appeal for information on BMW READ MORE: Today's top Manchester Evening News stories He was told the charity did not operate in that way, but that did not stop Levi.
The self-professed 'fundraiser' had been rattling his bucket at supermarkets up and down the land, using the charity's branding - and a fake Pudsey Bear suit to create a veil of authenticity.
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