8 complaints about bogus “Rag Mag” sellers were dealt with by the York Council last year.

The sellers were pretending to be from a University or charity.

5 complaints were about people pretending to raise money for RAG (Raising and Giving)

The Council has published details of the complaints (which could relate to people fundraising on the street, online or any method).

• 115530 – Complaint regarding gag mag sellers – allegation that the seller saidthe sale would supportunemployed people, but the complainant found the money was for the seller’s own profit
• 116590 – Complaint regarding racist/sexist joke books and claims regarding the books being sold to help the unemployed

• 116622 – Complaint regarding vendor selling magazines outside York Minster.Allegation the magazine is called “Gag mag” and they are posing as a student charity.

• 116878 – Complaint regarding sale of rag mags – allegation that the seller is saying the magazine will help the unemployed

• 116990 – 2 x Complaints regarding sellers, concerns that the sellers are implying that they arestudents and the proceedswill pay for their course.

• 117570 – Complaint regarding sale of magazines – allegation the sellers are claiming the magazines are published by their university.Complainant feels they are out selling too much to be students.

• 118788 – Complaint regarding conduct of joke book sellers – seller is claiming that the money will be used to pay for a college course.