An alleged scam artist is impersonating Menzshed members in order to exploit the community’s generosity.
The unknown individual has been knocking on doors in the Waimea region for the past three weeks or so, seeking donations for Menzshed.
Waimea Menzshed coordinator Alan Kissell says it is very disappointing that someone is trying to cash in on the good will of the public.
“It is definitely not a practice of Menzshed to go door to door, asking for donations, we do not encourage any kind of canvassing.”
Alan received a call from a local lady concerned that the Menzshed had been to visit her three times in a short span and wanted to know if the donations she gave were being received by the organisation.
“She said the man had been frequently visiting neighbours on her street as well, so we knew this wasn’t good and she was giving some fairly valuable items, so the person kept coming back.”
Alan wants to stress that if someone knocks on your door saying they are from Menzshed, they are not from Menzshed.
He says, while it was positive that people were willing to donate to the cause, showing a lot of goodwill for the work they do, the reputation of the organisation could be tarnished by these incidents.
The man appears to be targeting the elderly.
Alan knows of at least two individuals who have donated to the man, both of whom were senior citizens.
After confirming it was not a member of another Menzshed, Alan informed police who took the deception very seriously.
Richmond Police encourage people to dial 111 and make a report to the Police if this happens to them.
Police say, if he knocks on your door, try to get as much detail for a description of the person and their vehicle.
The news was posted to a Nelson community Facebook page, drawing outrage from locals. Users described the man’s behaviour as “shameless”.