Online tanning ruse lures 30,000 enthusiasts

London, February 6: Tanned skin is so popular that people, too busy for any natural tanning would even go to the extent of opting to get it right at their work-desks, via their computer screens.

An online website offering tan through computer screens recorded 30,000 registries on its opening day, only for the tan enthusiasts to realize that it was nothing but a ruse to spread skin cancerdefine awareness amongst tan buffs.

The campaign is the brainchild of an advertising agency named McCann Erickson. The agency in collaboration with a U.K. based skin cancer charity called 'Sckin' is aiming to highlight threats associated with sunbathing and optional tanning amongst British citizens

The online tanning service under the fake name of 'ComputerTan' guarantees a smooth tan to people while they work on their computers, by claiming to convert their computer monitors into UV sunlamps.

After registration, website directs people to a free trial section where dazzling beams of light appear on computer screens bringing along the awareness message from the charity.

McCann Erickson's business director, Simon Hill, said, "The fact that so many people fell for the ComputerTan hoax demonstrates the frightening truth that getting a tan, regardless of the risk, is still appealing for many people."

Friends and family members of Karen Clifford are the founders of Sckin. Karen died of skin cancer in 2005 and this charity works towards spreading knowledge about risks extensive sun exposure seen in various tanning booths, solariums and other sunbathing sites.

Skcin co-founder, Richard Clifford, noted, "More people die of skin cancer in the UK every year than in Australia. It is the most common form of cancer in young adults (15-34) and is largely preventable."

"The lack of regulation concerning the use of sunbeds is an extremely serious issue and this campaign highlights the fact that it is high time for a change in the law," he added.

Richard explained that he was excited to use a humorous technique to pull people towards a serious issue like skin cancer. He feels that timely intervention and counseling can prevent skin cancer cases and save many lives.