ELDERLY people in East Lancashire are being warned to be on their guard against bogus Age Concern officials.

The charity has issued the warning after receiving reports of people calling at homes in the Blackburn area and claiming to be from Age Concern.

Some pensioners had calls from people claiming to represent Age Concern and offering to clear snow from their doorways.

And this week elderly people living in sheltered accommodation have been plagued by teenagers knocking and asking for sponsorship money for the charity. Pauline Walsh, chief officer for the Blackburn and District area believes the callers were probably trying to win the confidence of of householders to gain entry into their homes.

She said: "We want to stress to local older people that no-one from Age Concern will call upon them unexpectedly and that we do not collect money door to door.

"We are very concerned by this trend of bogus callers saying they are from Age Concern. This problem has developed as our organisation has grown.

"If anyone is in doubt about any callers they should not let them in.

"Age Concern will not call without making an appointment, nor without identification."

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