THIEVES are duping people out of donations meant for injured soldiers by posing as poppy sellers.

Money that should be going to the Poppy Appeal to support servicemen and women in need is instead being handed over to con artists.

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The thieves are going door to door in Southampton asking people for donations to the appeal, and even carrying poor quality home-made poppies.

With Remembrance Sunday just days away, the scam has been branded “despicable” by the Royal British Legion which organises the annual appeal that last year raised £1m in Hampshire.

Archie Parsons, secretary of the Southampton branch, said: “I cannot believe anyone would stoop so low to take money away from ex-servicemen.

“It is a terrible scam that is utterly despicable.

“Many people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, wouldn’t necessarily spot that they were con artists and hand money over, money that would have gone to the charity.”

Grandfather Victor Isaacs from Sholing saw through the scam when the thieves knocked on his door.

He told the Daily Echo: “I sent them packing. It was clear they weren’t real poppy sellers, even legion was spelt wrongly on the box.

“When I asked them for their accreditation they just spoke to each other in a foreign language and shrugged their shoulders. So I told them to go away.”

Mr Isaacs, 65, a former serviceman himself having served in the Medical Corps, added: “I am absolutely horrified that anyone would do such a thing and cheat such a wonderful charity out of money for those who sacrifice so much.”

Police are investigating the attempted theft and urging the public not to hand over money if they are suspicious.

“This is a callous crime and if anyone thinks they may have fallen victim to this do not hesitate to contact the police,” said a spokesman.

Mr Parsons advised anyone who wanted to donate to the Poppy Appeal to do so at shops and organisations that have registered charity boxes.

Yesterday it was reported that five British military personnel lost their lives when they were shot dead by an Afghan policeman while carrying on training in Helmand Province.

The tragedy came just days after the death of Winchester servicemen Olaf Schmid.

The 30-year-old Staff Sergeant of the Royal Logistic Corps was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan just before he was due to come home.

His body was today repatriated.

Anyone with information that could help the poppy scam investigation is urged to contact PSCO Glenn Wilson at Bitterne on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.