To feel a bit harassed by charity worker

[Hardknocks]

Was on my way back from a meeting in London this evening, had to stop at the ticket machine to get my ticket a charity person came over to ask for a donation - I said I couldn’t afford it (I couldn’t), but I usually do give something. However this guy was so pushy, putting leaflets in my face, telling me he lost his brother to knife crime etc etc. He put £25 into his card reader and just kept saying ‘just tap your phone, tap your phone’. I politely asked him to move so that I could get past and through the train barrier but he said not until I tap.. so feeling completely intimidated I did.

I feel stupid, I couldn’t afford £25. I don’t begrudge giving to charity at all and I do where I can. AIBU to feel a bit upset about the whole thing.

Yes it was! @Screenburn. They were clearly on one today..

I was running late, wanted to get home and honestly didn’t have it in me to argue with this intimidating man, hence why I gave in to those asking. I genuinely am usually much better at saying no, which is why I’m so annoyed at myself today! And it wasn’t even a bloody charity! I thought it was for knife crime 🤦🏻‍♀️

pfra doesnt exist anymore. Charity commission is who you need 👍

I knew from the minute you posted it would be about Farringdon. I am absolutely sick to the back teeth of these people - every damn day. They are insanely pushy. I really really want to complain, but I don't know who to!

https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/complaints/make-complaint

Everyone from here who has been harassed at Farringdon needs to complain to TFL - actually, I think someone should tweet this thread to them, and maybe that will light a fire under them. And report every instance to the BTP too.

Same. It’s really intimidating and annoying. I give to plenty of charities as I choose and I just want to get home in peace without being harassed in the street!

YANBU. It's completely understandable to have been flustered and absolutely unacceptable behaviour by that person, whether or not the charity was legitimate. I'd have said loudly 'if you obstruct my path I'll report you' but I know hindsight is 20:20. Definitely complain to the station management and the Fundraising Regulator - if enough people complain this organisation will be flagged and may not be allowed to collect, which sounds like a good thing frankly.

Or if they aren't a charity. Go through your council.

• Charitable Street Collections:The charity must be a registered charity with The Charity Commission OR have national or international charitable/humanitarian objectives.
• An unregistered charity will not be issued a licence.
• Each charity is only allowed to collect once a year.
• Collections can only be made on the specified date, time and location.
• The licence has the Council logo on it.
• The licence should be produced on request.
• A letter is sent to the charity confirming the collection and licence.
• No collection will be made in a manner likely to inconvenience or annoy any person.
• Collectors shall remain stationary.
• Collection boxes shall be numbered.
• Collectors normally display some form of identification badge.

If they are not a registered charity, report to the council or potentially if they are actually harassing call 101 report for harassment.

Thanks for the heads up as going via Farringdon in a few days time.

I have a whistle attached to my bag and it's my back up for getting attention in situations like this.

Thank you. I guess I'll be contacting City of London because they're not a registered charity, they're a CIC. It's honestly outrageous the tactics they use.

The issue is that TFL must already know. It’s impossible to miss it, there’s loads of them, drawing loads of attention to themselves every single day. It’s being allowed to happen.

Op already did

“Uplifterz CIC is the charity.”

Or actually Islington!

Why do you feel stupid saying you can’t afford £25 plenty of people haven’t got a spare £25 just chillin in their bank. Okay it’s far from a lot but in this economic climate it’s certainly not a little either. Plus regardless of wether or not you or anyone can or can’t afford it it’s your right to say “No”. Even a billionaire can’t help every cause out there.

I’d fib and report it via my online banking as unauthorised and try for a chargeback. I once got my money back from a chugger who did this to me! Grabbed hold of my arm and would let go until I tapped my card. Reported it to my bank and not me and got the money back.

What is a Chugger?

😮😮. Good God, That’s practically day light robbery.

Knew it would be! It seems to attract the worst-behaved of all of them. Sorry you were intimidated like that and hope you get the money back!

I would also report to Transport for London. Charities usually have to request a spot to collect and if they are breaching regulations they may reconsider this.

I stopped being polite to these parasites a long time ago, they can get so pushy, I have zero time for them. Sorry for your experience, it can be hard to say no sometimes to persistent piss takers, but never show weakness, firm no from the offset.

I've just reported to Islington Council.

Can't believe this is being allowed to continue. If they are regularly at the same station, TfL must be perfectly well aware.

he said not until I tap.. so feeling completely intimidated I did.

He stopped you leaving unless you gave him money. That's a criminal offence. These CICs are terrible. I go away from one in Battersea recently. Told him I would go to lunch and check his credentials since I work for a charity myself. He lost interest.

I would definitely contact the bank and try cancel the payment and for sure contact the charity and complain. That is not acceptable.

There were at least 3 TFL staff members that witnessed it happen and ignored it, I’m presuming they can’t be bothered with the arguments either. I’m riled up now haha - I wish I could go back!