Forum Topic

RSPCA collector going door to door - dodgy?

Last night we had a guy come to our house in West Ealing asking for donations to the RSPCA. I didn't get as far as asking to see a charity collectors card, since I already have a direct debit to RSPCA and told him as much. He then asked for any kind of donation, even £1.50...I said no. He was a very friendly guy, we had a quick chat, shook hands and he went on his way - I didn't really think much of it until later. Thinking back on it now, I'm beginning to worry. The RSPCA poster he was carrying looked pretty worn out, but apart from that I didn't see any evidence that he was legitimate. He had a habit of looking over my shoulder into the house when I spoke to him, but again didn't think anything of it. But most of all he asked me whether I had any dogs. Again could be completely innocent, but might not be. Anyone else get a knock from him last night? Or is he known in the area? He was a young guy, mid-20s, well dressed with quite a strong Irish accent. (And only for the sake of an accurate description, he was half-caste)

Philip Slater ● 4913d7 Comments

something similar happenned to me only the person was collecting for save the children or something like that

Walter Coady ● 4912d

Re  They're in the area...          xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx        so I opened my trap too soon then!

Tony Price ● 4913d

Re accurate description, he was half-caste)       xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  oh my Gawd Philip, I hope the Race Relations Board are not reading this. Not allowed to use that terminology, dual origin  or something like that now is PC required. And from your description of the man, I really don't see him as a fervent RSPCA employee/supporter, your later misgivings I would say being the more accurate

Tony Price ● 4913d

Exactly. Think about it.Scammer spots legitimate collectors in area. Obtains old poster, fakes an ID and goes door-to-door into adjoining streets.Easy money.

Nigel Brooks ● 4913d

Really? Because he sounded very dodgy from your description, especially the peering into the house and the asking about dogs.

Susan Kelly ● 4913d

Panic over! http://www.rspca.org.uk/donate/howweraisemoney/doortodoorThey're in the area...

Philip Slater ● 4913d

If in doubt always phone the RSPCA and ask whether or not they have people out canvassing. I did that when I had RNPB called round asking for donations as my neighbour at that time was very frail and elderly and I didn't want them being taken for a ride. It turned out that the person concerned was genuine.In this case you probably did the correct thing.

F Stone ● 4913d