Police are warning Gold Coast residents about a scam where a man attempts to illegally illicit funds for Neighbourhood Watch over the phone.
A number of local Gold Coast small business operators and residents have reported to police that a man has called them seeking large donations to help advertise Neighbourhood Watch.
It is against Neighbourhood Watch policy to solicit funding or conduct “cold” canvassing over the phone to raise funds.
Neighbourhood Watch has strict guidelines on fundraising practices which include the applying for grants and any supporter funding being documented through minutes of meetings and outcomes reported to local police.
Members of the public are advised to be vigilant and not to make any donations over the phone to callers claiming to represent Neighbourhood Watch.
Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a charitable community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
Issued by Police Media
Media and Public Affairs Branch
