Police search for woman involved in Kids With Cancer Foundation scam
Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for a woman allegedly posing as a children’s cancer charity collector.
NSW
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Police are investigating claims a woman has been taking money from strangers under the guise she is collecting on behalf of a children’s cancer charity.
The woman, calling herself “Jessie”, has been reportedly door knocking homes across western Sydney in recent weeks, pretending to be fielding donations for the Kids With Cancer Foundation.
The Sydney-based non-profit charity supports children battling cancer and their families financially as well as funding child cancer research.
Kids With Cancer Foundation CEO Peter Bodman said police had contacted him on January 18 to warn him “Jessie” had been collecting funds from unsuspecting locals.
It comes after a Merrylands resident came forward to say she had been approached by the woman.
Mr Bodman said the alleged antics were “frustrating” and took much-needed money from sick kids.
“Police sent us an email with a photo of (the woman), asking us if we knew what she was doing …. then we got another email from this other lady. We’ve never done doorknock campaigns, so we knew it (wasn‘t right),” he said.
“Our donations all go to supporting children and families, 100 per cent of it … it made me really angry.”
NSW Police confirmed local officers were investigating and have appealed for information from the public today, including a photo of a woman they wish to speak to.
“In January 2021, officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command commenced an investigation after reports a woman had attended homes in Casula, collecting money,” a statement from police said.
“Inquiries have since revealed the woman is not affiliated with the nominated charity organisation and may be operating in other suburbs in Sydney’s west.”
The charity has warned supporters via social media about the woman, who carries a fake Kids With Cancer Foundation ID.
“We once again advise all our supporters in Sydney’s West to be aware of a woman … promoting herself representing Kids with Cancer Foundation,” a Kids With Cancer Foundation’s post on Wednesday read.
“She was door knocking in Merrylands this week and uses the name Jessie, she carries a made up photo ID with our logo … don‘t give her any money, we have never used door knockers, anywhere nor at any time.”
“Jessie” is reported to be targeting residents in Casula, Merrylands, Mt Pritchard and Pendle Hill, but residents in Wattle Grove and Holsworthy have also reported door knocks as far back as last year.
A Wattle Grove resident who asked not to be named said he also received a visit from a woman asking for donations to the Kids With Cancer Foundation in mid-December.
“She was wearing formal business gear, a black blazer, and she had this little tag with her face on it and a logo,” the Wattle Grove resident said.
“It seemed suspicious because it was in the middle of the new COVID outbreak and no other charities were doing doorknocks because of the pandemic … she asked if I had a few dollars to spare but I didn’t give her any money luckily.”
Others took to social media to share that they had also received visits from a woman more recently.
“She knocked on our door last week, Guildford west,” one Facebook user wrote.
“She was in Pendle Hill door knocking (on Tuesday) night,” another wrote.
“Omg she knocked on my door last night (Tuesday),” a local posted.
Liverpool City Police Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Tim Liddiard said all reports of fraud are thoroughly investigated “especially” when someone takes advantage of the community’s generosity.
A police description of “Jessie” said she was of Caucasian appearance, aged in her 40s to 50s, about 170cm tall, of slim build and with blonde hair.
The photo shows her wearing a black jacket, tights and shoes, carrying a black bag and wearing a name tag.
Anyone who has information is urged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Legitimate donations to the Kids With Cancer Foundation can be made at kidswithcancer.org.au.
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