Two of the Island's charities are warning the public especially the elderly to be on the look-out for people falsely claiming they are collecting cash.

Last month the Diabetes Association said a man was soliciting at homes for a diabetes walk when there was no event.

And now Caroline Armstrong, the Director of Supportive Therapy for Aids Persons and their Relatives (STAR) and Ann Smith Gordon, the President and CEO of PALS said both charities had also been targeted.

Mrs. Armstrong said a man was going door-to-door in the Southampton and Somerset areas with a pledge sheet claiming to be raising money for World Aids Day.

She said she had received at least seven phone calls from people who had given donations to this man and she wanted to warn the public.

She said: "I got a call from a gentleman who was able to identify the person and we did get the Police involved.

"We have a responsibility to the public. We are not soliciting and we are not door-to-door solicitors. I did learn that the elderly are being targeted.

"I have received seven calls this morning from people who had the same experience. We do know he has a pledge sheet with lots of names on it.

"Bermuda has been very kind to STAR and we certainly wouldn't want them to be abused."

And Ms Smith Gordon said PALS had been contacted because an individual had also been knocking on doors to raise money for cancer organisations.

She said she was worried that kind-hearted people were giving donations they could barely afford and that it was not going to the charities.

She said: "Charities like ours do not go around asking people in their homes for money. I do not know any that would.

"One lady gave him $50 thinking it was a $2 bill. We just need to remind the public and warn the public not to give donations to anybody who comes to their house.

"It's just terrible. They are just preying on people who cannot afford to give money away. I just feel so bad for them.

"Christmas is coming and they want to be kind and they think they are helping people, but they are not helping anyone."

Last night Police said they had received information about a man claiming he was collecting money for charity at a home on Seymour Farm Road, Southampton. According to a Police spokesman, the complainant decided not to pursue the matter.

The spokesperson added: "We would like to once again remind members of the public that if they are approached by an individual or individuals claiming to be collecting money for a particular charitable organisation not to donate until they can contact the organisation in question and find out whether or not they are currently conducting any fund-raising activities."

Anyone with concerns can call the Police at 295 0011 or Mrs. Armstrong of STAR at 292 5941 or at 335 4265.