ANIMAL rescue volunteers say they are “very distressed” after finding out a bogus charity collector is claiming to be raising money for them.

Ann Osborne, of St Andrew’s Road, Burnham, became suspicious when a man knocked on her door asking for a donation.

He claimed to be from Battersea Cats & Dogs Home, collecting money on behalf of the Brent Knoll RSPCA centre.

Mrs Osborne turned him away and called the centre to check if a man was cold-calling on its behalf, and when she was told they knew nothing about him she realised he was a conman.

She told the Weekly News: “I felt really sick and couldn’t sleep that night. “How could somebody do something like this? It’s just wicked. Thankfully, I didn’t give him any money.”

Rita Hinton, of the RSPCA centre, said: “It’s very distressing because people think they’re giving to a good cause when in fact they’re lining an individual’s pocket.

“Anyone who stoops so low as to raise money for a charity, but lines their own pocket, is just disgraceful.

“It costs £640 a day to run the centre at Brent Knoll, so please don’t let this person put people off donating to us.

“When we do collections we tend to go to Morrisons or Asda, and people should still feel quite comfortable about donating to us.”

Rita said the RSPCA does not knock on doors asking for cash, adding: “It’s important that you ask for the collector’s photo ID because there are some very unscrupulous people out there.

“Please call the police if you come across this bogus collector.”

The man is described as in his 20s, with light-coloured hair.

He was welldressed and well-spoken with a hi-vis strap around him and a collection box.

A police spokesman warned: “We urge the public to be cautious about doorstep callers and to follow our advice.

“If in doubt, don’t let the person into your home.

“Check the caller’s ID, and if you’re uncertain check the charity directly to ensure that they’re working for them.”

Genuine charities are registered with the Charity Commission and their registration details can be found on all their documentation such as leaflets and collection bags.

Contact the Charity Commission to check that callers are authentic by calling 0845-3000218 or visiting www.charity-commission.gov.uk.

Suspicious activity should be reported to the police on 101, including details of the vehicles and people involved.