'SCAMMERS' in pink shirts claiming to raise funds for breast cancer have reportedly targeted kind-hearted locals.
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BreastScreen NSW has reported scammers to police who are asking for public donations on its behalf in Tamworth and Maitland.
The organisation provides free breast screening mammograms to women aged 50 to 74, and has increased the survival rates of thousands of women.
The Leader is aware the National Breast Cancer Foundation has a door-knock appeal in the area until December 30 and has contacted the organisation for comment.
It is unclear at this stage whether the 'scammers' reported to police by NSW Health are in fact legitimate door-knockers.
Tamworth resident Julie Nash-Smith had a door-knocker visit her home in Central Avenue in South Tamworth.
"The chap in the picture came to the door, we didn't give him a change to say anything as we were skeptical of him having seen Lenore's [Facebook] post," she said.
"We watched him walk over the road and then he went up to Jonathan Street.
"No advertising for the appeal makes you that way these days ... suss [sic]."
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Ms Nash-Smith described the man as "respectable looking", wearing a lanyard and carrying an iPad and notebook.
Numerous others took to Facebook to report visits from men and women wearing pink clothes with logos, badges and lanyards with paperwork that looked legitimate.
Dale Noona Sampson said a young man turned up last week with a pink breast cancer shirt on and identification.
"[He] talked about what they were trying to achieve and the percentage rate of survival, seemed to be legit," he said.
BreastScreen NSW is part of NSW Health and does not ask for donations.
The Leader has contacted NSW Health for comment.
In a statement on Twitter, a Hunter New England Health spokesperson said BreastScreen NSW has been advised of scammers impersonating BreastScreen NSW and asking for public donations in Tamworth and Maitland.
"The matter has been referred to police," the statement said.
"Please note BreastScreen NSW is part of NSW Health and does not ask for donations."
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
