Scammers target Christmas tractor charity event

The charity ride-out has become a "much-loved yearly tradition" in Suffolk

Tractor owners hoping to take part in a festive charity ride-out are being targeted by scammers, according to the event's organisers.

The Suffolk Tractor Light Parade, which returns on 14 December and will start and end in Campsea Ash, will see nearly 200 vehicles weave through Woodbridge, Rendlesham and Wickham Market.

Since it began four years ago, the annual ride, which attracts thousands of spectators, has raised over £23,000 for local charities.

Drivers are asked to make cash contributions on the night of the event, but organiser Liz Quickenden said some had been asked to transfer money into a bank up front.

"We became aware last night people had been contacted through Messenger and the scammers were commenting on some of the posts on the event page," she said.

"I felt disappointed and frustrated and it is obviously worrying these individuals are targeting charity-run events, so it does feel a personal and hurt a little bit.

"We have acted swiftly and put as many measures in place as possible to stop this from happening."

Organiser Liz Quickenden said the scam had left her feeling upset

The parade was started as a "very small event with just 30 tractors" after the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to raise money for local charities.

But it had since "grown into a much-loved yearly tradition", Ms Quickenden said.

"It is an amazing event, we have thousands of people who come along and watch, and we currently have 172 vehicles entered for this year," she added.

"It is continuing to grow and we hope it continues to flourish."

This year's event was expected to feature at least 172 vehicles

Ms Quickenden stressed that none of those tractor drivers who were looking to take part this year would be expected to pay any money up front.

"We make it very clear that we are not expecting any money to be paid on bank transfer, we take a contribution in cash on the day," she said.

"We are now encouraging people to go to our website for all the information about the route and how to donate safely, which is more secure than social media."