A serial "charity scammer" is operating in the Weston Creek area, with residents warned to report all approaches to Crime Stoppers.
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Begging is not an offence in the ACT but police have the power to direct people to leave public places if they are believed to be causing a nuisance, are likely to damage property, or cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety.
Weston Creek residents have claimed via social media that they have repeatedly reported the charity scammer, but this has had little or no effect on his activities. Social media reports the man's name only as "Jason".
The scammer has been knocking on doors in the Weston area and is often seen around the Coolemon Court shopping precinct soliciting for money and presenting a number of different scenarios, including having an illness.
"Depending on the nature of the incident, asking for money based on a fake illness could be considered fraudulent behaviour or an act of public nuisance," ACT police said in a statement.
People have been advised that if they are approached, to question the legitimacy of his claims.
One of the more concerning issues on social media posts relating to the man's brazen activity is his willingness to doorknock the private homes of elderly people and solicit for money using various contrived stories.
"Charity scams try to take advantage of your generosity," police said.
"They involve a scammer asking for money due to illness/tragedy or by posing as a genuine or fake charity.
"Not only do these scams cost you money, they also divert much needed donations away from legitimate charities and causes."
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