Women 'begging for money' on behalf of charity for sick child suspected to be fraudsters - Staffordshire Police issue warning
Staffordshire Police have urged caution after two women were spotted asking for money for a charity that did not exist.
Police have warned residents and visitors to be wary of suspected 'fake' begging on behalf of charities in the region.
The alert was issued after Staffordshire Police received reports of two females who were approaching cars and begging for money on the A449, in Staffordshire, on Saturday.
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The force said that the women were 'begging for money', and claimed that they were collecting funds on behalf of a charity for a sick child.
However, when asked, they could not offer any more information about the charity, and also couldn't provide a charity number or any other documentation giving permission to collect money from the public.
The force said that both women have been dealt with by local officers.
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to an incident at the traffic lights at Himley on the A449 today because two females were spotted approaching queuing cars and begging for money.
"The females claimed they were collecting on behalf of a charity for a sick child.
"However, they could offer no further information about the charity and couldn't provide a charity number or any other documentation giving permission to collect money from the public. They have both been dealt with by local officers.
"Before handing over cash to anyone begging in the street, we would ask the public to be very wary."
Staffordshire Police have been approached for more information.
