Navy

Doubts Over 'Homeless Veteran' Who Asked For Cash

An appeal for money from a 'homeless former Royal Marine' has been revealed to be a likely fake.

A person identifying themselves as 'Steve', a supposed veteran with 18 years' service, made the plea on fundraising website GoFundMe.

They claimed to have served with Plymouth-based 42 Commando in five different theatres on a battered, handwritten note, and to be suffering from "serious" post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Local newspaper the Plymouth Herald covered the story, but soon started seeing concerns raised about its authenticity. One Facebook user said:

"Don't know who this guy is but not a legit RM service number and surely he means 42CDO RM? The guy appears to need help, which I hope he gets, but if I'm right and he's just impersonating a vet to illicit sympathy? Well that just sucks."

The appeal, which raised £90 before being closed, included an eight digit service number (SN) which started with the number six.

All service numbers issued by the Royal Navy began with a letter prior to 2007, however. Another commenter said:

"18 years service he should have a P0 number, 3000 numbers started 8ish years ago. Any older than that he might have a CH or DL number depending what depot he joined at."

Tom Wood, founder of the charity Help 4 Homeless Veterans, said real veterans don't often promote their service history. He said:

"We find it is very rare that an ex-serviceman will actually hold up a sign saying they served for 18 years. They are too proud. I'm dubious of anyone who does that."

"I'm not saying they won't but it is unusual for people to hold up signs like that."

He said the best way to support people in need is to donate to recognised charities. He added:

"If you really want to help someone, I would suggest going directly to a charity tell them that this person needs some help. I'm not saying don't help homeless people – they really do need our help – but give the money to the charity instead. There are a lot of people that need our help."

The Defence Secretary said in November he would support a bill calling for imposters, who wear military medals they are not entitled to, to face possible criminal charges.

The private member's bill, tabled by Conservative MP Gareth Johnson, proposed creating a new criminal offence which would carry a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment or a fine of £5,000.