Safety expert warns of scammers selling free online courses
A Chorley safety expert has warned the public about online scammers charging people for his content.
Dale Allen, founder of the Safety-Verse, said "copycat" companies have been taking his freely available health and safety courses and selling them to unsuspecting users.
The Safety-Verse offers certified training through The Knights of Safety Academy, covering topics such as online safety, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, and mental health awareness.
Mr Allen said: "For years, we have proudly provided free health and safety training to over 300,000 students to help people upskill, stay safe and build careers.
"Our mission has always been rooted in one thing—access for everyone with no barriers.
"These resources were created to save lives, not to be exploited for profit behind closed doors.
"The misuse of our content without permission is deeply disappointing, unethical and unlawful."
Mr Allen said "copycat" sites were not only charging for the free courses, but also issuing the Knights of Safety Academy's official certificates as if they were their own.
He is now advising people to access the courses through the official Safety-Verse platform and to report any websites offering the training for a fee.
While the copying activity is a breach of copyright law, Mr Allen said his bigger concern was that people were being exploited.
Mr Allen added: "It's not just about the law, it is the principle.
"People deserve honesty and clarity and we want to protect the value of free, open safety education."
He also warned the public to be cautious of similar schemes online, including websites that charge for government services which are otherwise free, such as getting a tax refund from HMRC or applying for child benefit.
The 44-year-old became interested in health and safety after a near-death experience at the age of five, when he almost choked on a marble.
His mother was able to save him by holding him upside down and slapping him on the back until the marble dislodged.
Mr Allen said the incident was a turning point in his life and led him to dedicate himself to safety education.
More information and free training resources can be found at www.safety-verse.com.
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