Fareham Borough Council is warning residents not to fall victim to bogus students selling artwork door-to-door.
The advice comes after a Fareham resident bought a drawing from a young woman who claimed the cash would be used to fund her education. She held up a notice saying that she was deaf and could not work. The drawing was described as being her own art work but on closer inspection it was found to be a print.
Executive Member for Policy and Resources, Councillor Seán Woodward said: "This is a widespread scam which has been perpetrated for a number of years across the country and abroad, with people paying between £10 and £20 for each piece of art which is worth much less.
"If you have someone similar knocking on your door, please do not part with any money. Instead report it to the national Action Fraud hotline by ringing 0300 123 2040."
Hampshire County Council Trading Standards are also issuing warnings about a company who is currently active in Fareham at the moment. The company are knocking on the doors of the elderly and vulnerable and bullying them into getting work carried out, such as roofing and garden landscaping. In many cases the work doesn't need to be done, and the work done is overpriced and the quality of workmanship is poor.
Trading Standards would like to hear from residents if they are approached on their doorstep with offers to carry out maintenance work. Please call the Rapid Response Team on 01962 833666.