This has been happening today in Balham - be aware as the young man is VERY convincing.

This has been happening today in Balham - be aware as the young man is VERY convincing.

And they're working Hydethorpe Road right now. Just had one here; when, in my best disappointed schoolteacher voice I told him I didn't think he was being truthful, and asked him if he thought this was the right thing to be doing, he looked shamefaced and muttered 'but it is a football team'. Hmm. Sent him on his way and he's now handing around in the street....

people who comes to peoples doors for money give me anxiety. i cant even talk to the people who flag you down on the street, let alone them coming to my door!

I have also been targeted by this scam. A boy turned up on my doorstep (SW4) last week allegedly from Lambeth Lions collecting for Alive & Kicking. Despite my suspicions I was feeling charitable so gave him the benefit of the doubt and a couple of quid. However as i turned my back to get a pen to sign his form he nicked my wallet from where I had put it down! I gave chase, screaming for someone to catch him, and a man, to whom I owe an eternal debt of gratitude, did catch him! Police were called and he was arrested. I don't believe he set out to steal but gave into temptation when I put my wallet down in front of him - made me so angry at his stupidity - he's only 14 and could ruin his life by doing such things. Anyway I've been in touch with Alive & Kicking and they confirmed it was a scam. I don't want this to turn me into a cynic but I will be more careful in future! (p.s. he wasn't that bright as he'd put his name on the form!)

Just had a boy at the door in Balham - polite when I declined to sponsor him but again for Lambeth Lions

Got this one today. The youth was very rude and was accusing us for lying as we recognised him and told him we have him a couple weeks back already which was true. Still hang around and starting arguments after we told him that he was rude and he won't be getting any donation this way.

I have taken some pictures of him and reported to the Clapham Common police. I feel threatened and I think it is passing the point of being just nuances to potential harm.

petal wrote: I thought reputable charities never ask for your money like this. I can't recall exactly but is it even allowed?

Sorry to contradict you on this point Petal.

There is at least one reputable charity that thinks "doorstepping" you for contributions is an acceptable practice I'm afraid - namely the Red Cross Organisation.

Late last year I was gardening in my front garden when I saw a people carrier park up and about five people jump out wearing Red Cross Charity tabards - armed with clipboards.

This chugger "SWAT" team then knocked on all the doors asking for direct-debit signups for their charity.

Its bad enough encountering these "chuggers" in the street but to try and corner you at your own front door is a step too far!

Yes I've just had a visit too. I hadn't read this beforehand but I'm doubly glad I said no thank you now!

They're working Hosack Road SW17 just now. Thanks to everyone who contributed information - I felt able to say no!

It is definitely worth asking them for a charity number and having a quick look at the charity commission website to see if they are legitimate. I have done that in the past and they have turned out to be fake or they closed down years before. You can just do it on your phone quickly and any legitimate charity would be more than happy for you to look up their charity number.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisat ... commission

then look up search for a charity and put in the number or name, it takes 2 minutes

Oh no- I gave them money too! This makes me so cross on behalf of the charity. Thanks for flagging this, I won't be donating again.

The sad thing about this is that it make one somewhat cynical such that genuine worthy causes suffer. It's a real shame.

I've turned away a couple of teenagers in the last couple on months too. Both said they were with Lambeth Lions football club. I've googled and there isn't a Lambeth Lions (I know of Lambeth Tigers football club). When I told the second guy that we'd had someone before, he left pretty quick, though he did knock my bin over as a thank you!

Last week a teenager came around with a sponsorship for for a football marathon he said he was taking part in for a charity called Tackle Africa. He seemed genuine and I gave him a few pounds.

I have now just checked up on the charity and they say there have been bogus collectors going around and they never authorise door to door sponsorship or donation requests. This is the relevant web page. http://tackleafrica.org/latest-news/cas ... marathons/

It may be that everyone else already knows about this but thought I would post in case any of you don't, so you don't get caught out like me.