Staff at an animal rescue centre are urging people to be vigilant – after reports a man claiming to work for the charity has been knocking on peoples’ doors.
A man claiming to work for Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary in Barrow Gurney called at a property in Nailsea on Thursday night.
The man, wearing a Holly Hedge jumper, told the householder he worked for the charity and wanted to come inside and discuss the work it does caring for and re-homing animals.
However the woman sensed something was amiss and refused to let him in and called the sanctuary’s charity shop to inform them of the unwanted doorstep caller.
Charity bosses have confirmed the man did not work for them and has posted warnings on the sanctuary’s social media channels and in its newsletter.
The incident has also been reported to police.
A spokesman for Holly Hedge said: “We've been informed that a member of the public has been knocking on people's doors and asking to come into their houses.
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“They are wearing a Holly Hedge Jumper and telling people they act on our behalf.
“This happened in Nailsea.
"Fortunately the victims of this attempted scam knew something was amiss and refused access, and have called us today.
"It is possible there is a team of people doing this so please call the police on 101 and let us know if this happens to you or anyone you know.
“We are not running any door knocking campaigns and it is not something we have plans to do, so please stay vigilant and do not let anyone in your house that you are not expecting.
“Our home visits are always prearranged and you are welcome to ask for I.D. from our volunteers if they are someone you haven't yet met from the sanctuary.
“It is incredibly upsetting that someone would use the name of our sanctuary to deceive people, we have worked hard on our reputation and know our supporters trust us, and would do anything to help animals in need.
“They have already targeted Nailsea and may move on to other areas.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101.
