The BBC found the image had been used seven times in total by Depher between February 2021 and August 2023, with different ages and locations.
The BBC identified the woman as someone Mr Anderson had helped with a free shower repair, and who had died in February 2020 – a year before her image started to be used online by Depher. The woman’s daughter accused the firm of using her mother’s image as part of a “money-making machine”.
The BBC said Mr Anderson denied making the social media post himself, but conceded it was “not true”.
The social enterprise says it uses donations to provide free food, pay gas and electricity bills, and carry out free plumbing work for those in need.
Mr Anderson became a social media sensation and made a string of TV appearances to promote his company’s work, receiving thank you notes from Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III as well as a Pride of Manchester award.
But the BBC says it has discovered a pattern of “misleading and false” social media posts where photos have been reused, and the image of a vulnerable 90-year-old man was used more than 20 times in fundraising posts when he had asked not to be filmed.
A friend of the pensioner told the BBC: “He was a private person, he would never agree to anything like that. I think that’s disgusting. He would hate it.”
Former Depher employees have also raised safety concerns with the BBC, including a staff member picture smoking next to a leaking boiler, and Mr Anderson faces allegations he used company funds to buy a house and cars.
In an interview with the BBC, Mr Anderson said: “I know I’ve done it wrong. I apologise. But what can I do? I haven’t got a magic stick. I’m not Harry Potter.”
The BBC said he denied some of the allegations against him, and insisted the use of company funds had been appropriate.
He also claims to have been the victim of “bullying, harassment and attacks” by people on social media.
Mr Anderson told the broadcaster he is willing to return some of the money donated as a result of misleading social media posts.
When asked about large donations such as from Hugh Grant, he added: “If Hugh wants the money back, I’ll send it back to him, not a problem.”
