Warning over scammers posing as charity workers

A Lincolnshire charity is urging people to be aware of doorstep scammers posing as its staff and asking people for money.

St Barnabas Hospice said two young men wearing suits had been impersonating charity workers and asking residents to set up direct debits on behalf of the hospice.

The men had reportedly been operating in the Louth area, typically during evenings at around 20:00 BST.

Lincolnshire Police said it was aware of people claiming to be from a local charity calling on people but there had been no actual offences committed.

The charity said the resident told them they gave their bank details to the two men, who were reportedly in their 20s.

Head of retail Caroline Peach said the charity's official canvassers always wore branded lanyards, carried photo ID and campaigned only during daytime working hours.

Ms Peach said: "The sad thing is we do have our door-to-door canvassers going around to get people to support St Barnabas so that will call into question anybody who comes to your door now."

Ms Peach reminded residents that photos and names of the four official door-to-door workers could be found on the charity's website.

She had asked anyone who had been approached by the men to report it to the police.

The warning comes after the charity's store on Wragby Road had its front door smashed during a raid overnight on Monday, causing thousands of pounds-worth of damage.

Neighbour Insp Jacqueline Evans from Lincolnshire Police said: "We are aware of reports of people claiming to be from a local charity calling on people in the Louth area.

"There have been no actual offences committed at this time."

Insp Evans shared advice to residents who have concerns about door-to-door canvassers:

• If someone knocks at at door claiming to be from a charity or company, check their ID

• If you are unhappy, don't let them in or give them money

• Never call the phone number on their ID card. Instead, ask the salesperson to wait outside, shut the door and find the company number on the internet

• Take time to consider what you are doing and don't be pressured into making decisions.

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