Residents urged to remain vigilant following reports of charity scam

Cheshire Constabulary is urging residents to stay vigilant following reports of scammers targeting people in the county.

Officers have received several reports from concerned residents who have been approached by an unknown woman claiming to represent a disability charity.

In one incident, that was reported in November 2025, the woman approached a member of the public in a supermarket car park in the Mill Lane area of Chester.

She was carrying a card reader and asked for a donation of five pounds. However, the device had been set to £5,000.

Fortunately, the transaction was declined.

More recently, on Monday 2nd March, Cheshire Police were contacted after reports that the same woman had been seen asking for donations in the London Road area of Holmes Chapel.

The caller reported that the woman was carrying a sign stating she was deaf and was asking members of the public to withdraw cash for her from nearby cashpoints.

The caller approached her, challenged her behaviour, and advised that he would contact the police. Following this, the woman then left the area.

She is described as being around 25 to 30 years old, approximately 5ft 7in tall and with auburn hair.

Detective Sergeant Jordan Trentini said:

“Fraudsters are extremely convincing and persistent, and they often target the elderly or vulnerable, sometimes resulting in the loss of thousands of pounds.

“As well as tracing those responsible, we urge everyone to spread awareness and remind people to remain vigilant.

“With that in mind, I would like to ask anyone who has any information regarding the identity of the woman believed to be involved in these incidents, or who has been approached in similar circumstances, to please contact us.

“If you have any information, please use the reporting tools on our website or call 101. Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”