ROGUES posing as fundraisers are targeting households in Darlington, a charity has warned.

The Salvation Army highlighted the problem after an elderly man was approached on his doorstep and asked for donations on its behalf.

Major Colin Bradshaw said financial greed is driving people to impersonate Salvation Army representatives and urged people not to hand over money.

The Salvation Army does not collect on the doorstep in Darlington and has no plans to, according to Major Bradshaw.

He said: “I was informed that someone is going door-to-door collecting on behalf of The Salvation Army in Darlington.

“We are not collecting door-to-door, these individuals are impersonating our representatives and using the publicity we received through our Toy Appeal and the generosity of Darlington people for their own financial greed.

“I don’t know if any money has been handed over, I just know that someone is trying to con people by claiming to represent The Salvation Army.”

He added: “If someone knocks on your door and claims to be collecting on our behalf then if you can, take a photograph of them, but definitely ring the police because they could be preying on vulnerable people.”