Council warns of fake dustmen asking for Christmas Tip

With Christmas just a few days away residents are once again being warned to be on their guard against strangers knocking at their door claiming to be refuse collectors and asking for a seasonal tip.

Staff employed by the council's waste contractor Serco are strictly forbidden from approaching residents and asking for gifts. They face stringent disciplinary action, including dismissal, if they solicit for tips.

Anyone who approaches households and asks for a seasonal 'bonus' is almost certainly not a genuine refuse collector but an opportunist hoping to cash in on residents’ generosity.

The warning comes amid reports that two men masquerading as refuse collectors have today been knocking on doors in Putney in a bid to solicit cash gifts.

Environment spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said:
“Anyone who knocks on a door, claiming to be a refuse collector in a veiled attempt to solicit cash tips is almost certainly a fraudster. If the caller really is a genuine bin collector they will know perfectly well they should not be touting for tips and the penalties they face if caught.

“For these reasons, the chances are that anyone who does this is almost certainly a fraud and an opportunist trying to con people into handing over money. Our advice in these cases is to wish them a Merry Christmas back and then close the door."

Any approaches for money by people claiming to be refuse collectors should be reported to the police straight away or the council’s waste management team on (020) 8871 8558. This number can also be used for general refuse collection and recycling enquiries.

December 19, 2016