A South Auckland community leader is warning residents to beware of con artists disguised as collectors for victims of Cyclone Evan.
Mangere-Otahuhu local board chairman Peter Skelton said thieves are posing as money collectors for charities involved in relief work for Samoa and Fiji.
Mr Skelton said scammers are targeting residents at markets and on the street and some are going door to door.
This type of scam is unfortunately common in his community during disaster relief drives, he said.
"It's very unfair because people are (giving) their money because they feel for those people that lost their homes, lost their loved ones."
Alf Filipaina of the Counties-Manukau police said people should always ask a collector for identification before handing over any money.
