Express & Star

Warning after bogus charity collectors pose as Beacon Centre fundraisers

Bogus charity collectors have been posing as fundraisers for Beacon Centre for the Blind.

Published
Beacon Centre for the Blind

A warning has been issued after the would-be fraudsters were said to be going door-to-door raising money for the ‘much-loved’ Black Country charity.

Police are now investigating after ‘despicable’ reports of people encouraging residents to start direct debits.

Beacon Centre bosses have said they do not fundraise on the doorstep and have urged homeowners to report any suspected fraud to West Midlands Police.

The charity, which has bases in Wolverhampton Road, Sedgley and Hagley Road, Stourbridge, supports visually impaired people across the Black Country.

Sedgley ward councillor Michael Evans branded the alleged con artists as ‘disgraceful’ and warned residents – particularly vulnerable and elderly people – need to be on their guard.

Councillor Evans said: “I think this kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable.

“A lot of people would not hesitate to help the Beacon Centre for the Blind which is a fantastic and much-loved charity. If the police catch these people then they should throw the book at them – it is despicable.”

Arwyn Jones, CEO, at the Beacon Centre said: “A concerned resident has reported alleged bogus door-to-door fundraisers asking people to sign up to a direct debit for the Beacon Centre.

"The incident has been reported to the police. This is shocking and appalling, and we will support the police in their enquires.

“We can categorically confirm we do not knock on doors and ask people to sign up to a direct debit on their doorstep.”

If you have been affected or have any information, please contact the police on 101 to report the incident.

The easiest and safest way to donate to the Beacon Centre is via www.beaconvision.org/donate-to-beacon or on 01902 880 111.