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 had spoken to the charity and the couple involved.
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.
Lincolnshire Police said officers have spoken to the charity and the couple involved but that no crime was recorded.
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.
Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Charity shop damaged during overnight burglary
Warning over fraudsters posing as police officers
Warning issued after courier fraudsters strike
St Barnabas Hospice
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