By paNOW Staff

Scammers ask for bogus donations outside Walmart

Aug 27, 2013 | 4:28 PM

The YWCA is warning the public about a couple who was spotted illegally soliciting donations outside the Cornerstone Walmart.

The couple is approaching people, misrepresenting themselves as YWCA campaigners and then asking for donations, said YWCA CEO Donna Brooks.

Brooks found out about the scam after a YWCA employee went to Walmart on Monday morning and was approached by one of the individuals. “He had a clipboard with a list of names and phone numbers, so obviously he had hit some people,” said Brooks.

The public should be skeptical if they are approached by people, especially in front of businesses, claiming to be raising money for charities, said Brooks. Asking detailed questions about the organization, like the registered charity number, postal code, or address is a good way to confirm their legitimacy, she advised.

This type of incident isn’t new to the Prince Albert YWCA. Several years ago, there was a similar scam in which people went door-to-door pretending to be raising money for the charitable organization.

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When people are tricked into handing over money to these scams, it takes funding away from initiatives with a proven track record of helping people. “They hit unsuspecting people who actually donate money, which could really go for a good cause,” said Brooks.

The Prince Albert police have been contacted in relation to the matter.

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