Email Targets Red Cross Supporters for Donations

New Zealand Red Cross has been notified of an email that may be circulating internationally which is asking people to “Help the British Red Cross in Haiti (last chance!). The email is headed with the distinctive Red Cross emblem.

While the email purports to be from the ‘’British Red Cross” this is not the case and New Zealand Red Cross has no knowledge of the organisation behind it. New Zealand Red Cross has not authorised the use of the Red Cross name or emblem to the people who have distributed the email in this case.

“This email is in no way connected to New Zealand Red Cross. We are alarmed that this email may have been distributed to people who might consider it to be a genuine email from us or the British Red Cross, and perhaps more alarming, people may send donations thinking they are going to Red Cross,” says John Ware, New Zealand Red Cross’ Chief Executive.

The New Zealand Police are aware of the email and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has been informed about the fraudulent use of the Red Cross emblem. The British Red Cross National Society will also be advised.

So far, generous New Zealanders have donated over $600,000 to New Zealand Red Cross’ Haitian Earthquake Appeal which will help earthquake devastated Haiti by supporting Red Cross’ disaster response and recovery programmes.

People can donate to the appeal by:

* Making a secure online donation at www.redcross.org.nz
* Calling 0900 733 26 to make an automatic $20 donation
* Sending cheques (made payable to New Zealand Red Cross), to the Haitian Earthquake Appeal, Red Cross House, P O Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington, 6144
* Making a donation at any New Zealand Red Cross office throughout the country
* Visiting your local ANZ, TSB or ABS branch

ENDS

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