Door knocking scammers seeking 'donations' for cancer research

"You always imagine scammers being someone over the internet or someone overseas trying to steal your money, not someone standing in front of you."

Joel Erickson

2 min read

January 30, 2024 - 11:32AM

Residents of Adelaide are being told to watch for scammers disguising themselves as charity volunteers. Picture: iStock

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Residents in Adelaide’s west are warning of scammers who have been door knocking and asking to set up regular payments to support breast cancer research.

Ashlee Megan told 7News two young men approached her home in November last year with pink uniforms, ID cards and paperwork.

She said the men asked her if she knew anyone who had been diagnosed with cancer, before asking her to make a monthly donation to their organisation.

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Ms Megan said when she refused to give the men her credit card details, they became forceful and suggested she “inspect their ID cards”.

Residents of Adelaide are being told to watch for scammers disguising themselves as charity volunteers. Picture: iStock

Charity confirms scam

7News reports other residents in the area have had similar experiences, and thought the men may have been from Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).

However, BCNA told 7News it does not door knock for fundraisers.

“It’s recently come to our attention that people claiming to represent Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) are knocking on doors in South Australia and asking for donations,” the company said.

“Throughout the year, fundraising activities for our network do vary, however in line with BCNA policy, this does not involve door to door activity.

“There are some charities that do face-to-face fundraising, so it is recommended that you ask for proper ID including a photo from anyone requesting donations for a charity.”

Ashlee Megan said two men approached her home last year with pink uniforms, ID cards and paperwork. Picture: 7News

"They don't care about the person they're taking from"

Ms Megan told 7News she wanted to warn others of the scam to prevent any victims.

“It’s a bit confronting to think they’ve been knocking on my door. You always imagine scammers being someone over the internet or someone overseas trying to steal your money, not someone standing in front of you,” she said.

“They don’t care about the person they’re taking from. It’s a different mentality.”

South Australia Police have called for anyone suspicious of door knockers to contact police and provide details of the people, their vehicles and their direction of travel.

“Legitimate volunteers will have proper identification including a photo which clearly identifies them as being a volunteer for that charity,” South Australia Police said

“If in doubt, contact the charity directly, using a number that you look up, not one provided by the ‘volunteer’.”