Fake remembrance poppies: Royal British Legion asks for public’s help to ‘beat the fraudsters’

The charity, whose annual poppy appeal raises millions of pounds for military veterans, said fraudsters selling fake poppies were profiting personally from the goodwill of the public.

The Royal British Legion’s Director of Fundraising Claire Rowcliffe said: “It is a sad fact that there are people who actively defraud the public in order to take funds intended for the support of our Armed Forces community.

“We would urge everyone wishing to purchase a Remembrance poppy brooch, to do so through official channels.

“For example, you can buy from one of our trusted volunteers, from The Royal British Legion’s online Poppy Shop, or from one of our corporate partners.”

The Legion’s top tips

To help consumers beat the fraudsters, here are the top tips to avoid buying fake poppy merchandise online:

Be a ‘responsible buyer’ – buy from official channels and The Royal British Legion’s corporate partners. Avoid cheaper priced products. If the price is too good to be true, it usually is. The Royal British Legion works with a number of corporate partners. Only corporate partners are authorised by The Royal British Legion to sell poppy merchandise. If in doubt, buy through The Royal British Legion Poppy Shop – you will be sure of the authenticity