Recently, such incidents were reported in south Mumbai, where impersonators duped residents of a Marine Drive building by claiming to organise programmes for underprivileged children on behalf of Marine Drive police station. There are several cases of impersonators, khaki-clad or shod in some other attire, getting into buildings, trying to infiltrate gatherings, etc. asking for donation. May times, they are in trains, purporting to represent an organisation, asking for money for some cause or event.

Here, the level of deceit was high and there was sophistication in the way these fraudsters dressed, to convince residents in upscale buildings to part with their money.

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A healthy dose of scepticism and checking is warranted. Remember, that police stations will not send personnel to collect money for programmes. This is not their job. Sometimes, fraudsters carry official looking cards, and even some framed certificates to give them a veneer of legitimacy. Yet, their claims can and should be verified. Do not part with money on the spot. Take your time to research, cross check and do not be hesitant to ask for proof.