BARNSLEY Hospice warned residents to steer clear of fraudsters following several reports from residents about a person reportedly posing as a charity fundraiser to pocket people’s cash.
The charity has received information that an unknown person visited homes in the Mapplewell and Staincross area and took money from residents after claiming to be from the well-loved charity.
Now, hospice bosses have urged people to keep vigilant and not give any money to somebody at the door.
A spokesperson for the hospice said: “We have received several messages of concern from residents in the Staincross and Mapplewell areas to say that someone is knocking on doors asking for money for our charity.
“This method of fundraising has never been endorsed by the hospice for general fundraising, however our lottery canvassers do ‘door knock’ but would never ask for cash without you having already signed up first.
“Please do not give cash to anyone on your door step unless this has been prearranged with lottery representatives.”
Police officers have urged the community the ‘watch out’ as fraudsters take advantage of kind-hearted people wanting to donate to Barnsley Hospice.
Inspector Rebecca Richardson added: “Residents should always be on the watch out for illegitimate charity collectors, as unfortunately they will try to take advantage of the generous, kind-hearted people out there in our communities.
“While we haven’t been made aware of any reports of this recent Barnsley Hospice scam directly, locals should always be wary about giving out money or personal information to somebody who turns up on your doorstep.
“Sadly, every pound lost to charity fraud is a pound less that goes to a genuine worthy case, so make sure you make checks to ensure your money is going to the right place before you hand it over.
“If you believe you have lost money in this type of scam, please report it to Action Fraud, the national fraud reporting centre, by calling 0300 123 20 40 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.”
