ARRESTS have been made in connection with a charity scam reported to have been operating in Penarth.

Recent reports warned that unauthorised people were going door to door in Penarth claiming to be from Unicef UK. The charity had confirmed that no one in the area has been authorised to collect on their behalf.

South Wales Police today (Friday, April 24) that five people have been arrested by police officers in Cardiff in connection with fraudulent fund raising activities in different parts of the city. The arrests follow similar reports of suspected fraudulent activity in the Penarth area.

Three women, Maria Rodu, 18, Roxanna Ion, 19, both from Grangetown and Elvira Dumitru, 19, from Wandsworth in London have been charged with fraud by false representation and will appear before Cardiff Magistrates on Friday, May 1.

Two men aged 18 and 23 from Grangetown were also arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and have been released on police bail pending further investigations.

Householders in Penarth had been approached by cold callers purporting to be collecting money on behalf of Unicef.

If a member of the public has doubts about the authenticity of a fundraiser, Unicef UK advises them to contact the charity’s supporter care team on 0300 330 5580.

While in this instance the scammers have been using Unicef as a cover, they may also use other charities to sell the deceit.