Important information - public advisory

Published: 16 September 2020

The Heart Foundation is aware of recent email approaches to local businesses in the Rotorua Region, requesting sponsorship and asking for donations in an online auction.

The Heart Foundation would like to advise the requests for funds have not been sent by the Heart Foundation, but by a person or persons posing as the ‘Red Heart Blood Foundation’.

The Police were informed as soon as this information came to light and the matter is being investigated further by authorities.

The emails sent have used the Heart Foundation logo and intellectual property, but we would like to advise the public that the Heart Foundation does not fundraise in this manner and has given no permission for any logo or other assets to be used.

Details of the email requests have indicated an online Facebook auction with prizes to be collected from Selwyn Primary Hall, Rotorua, by 8pm Sunday 13 September. The school was unaware of this activity and has now been informed.

If you are ever receiving any communication from the Heart Foundation electronically, it will be sent from an authorised Heart Foundation email address.

Any members of the public who may be concerned should please contact your local Police station and inform the Heart Foundation Communications team on 027 586 1139.

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