A HEREFORDSHIRE charity has warned the county about fake Santas trying to scam people out of money in pubs.

St Michael’s Hospice, based in Bartestree, which provides palliative and end-of-life care, said over the last few weeks, local business and the public have made the charity aware of several people canvassing pubs, restaurants, indoor play areas, churches and Hereford Cathedral asking for donations on its behalf.

Most of its care is funded by the community, through a variety of means including supporters taking part in St Michael’s Hospice events, playing the St Michael’s Hospice Lottery, shopping in the charity’s retail shops, or leaving gifts in Wills.

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Most recently they have been identified as two females wearing Santa suits, said the spokesperson.

At this time the charity is not aware of anyone who has approached it asking for permission to go around pubs, restaurants, and establishments this Christmas, they said.

“However, sometimes kind people do decide to fundraise for us without letting us know,” said the spokesperson.

“Of course, we may find that they are indeed collecting for the hospice, with good intentions, but we will only know this if money is returned to us.”

The charity has warned people if they are approached to donate, or if these individuals enter your business or premises the charity would encourage people to ask for ID or sight of an authority letter.