Unscrupulous young girls in Clacton have been cashing in on people’s generosity.  The four have been approaching people using genuine charity sponsorship forms downloaded from the Internet.  The scam was revealed after a form was pieced back together after being found ripped up and thrown down a drain. 

Police investigations revealed money had already been handed over – and now they have issued a warning.  The young fraudsters have been calling at houses and businesses in the town, claiming to be collecting sponsorship for a charity run they were to take part in.  The charity involved is CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young. 

“Kind residents put their hands in their pockets and paid money up front,” said a Clacton police spokesperson. 

“However, the girls disposed of the sponsorship forms, and kept the cash for themselves.” 

Police have asked residents not to part with any cash for sponsorship until after the event unless the person is well-known to them, and they are sure that the request for money is genuine.  They advised that they should get charity callers to show authorisation. 

PC John Fellows said: “It is a sad thing that these heartless girls were using people’s generosity to rip them off.  Charities rely on sponsored events to raise much-needed funds and these selfish individuals are diverting funds away from the good causes.” 

The first victim handed over £24 while others had given up to £50 and it was a scam that had been going on for some time, he said.  The girls are aged between 14 and 16. 

Anyone with information should contact PC Fellows on 01255 221312, or any local station or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.