Aucklanders are being warned to be on the lookout for people selling fake raffle tickets and expired fuel cards.
Police said there have been “a handful” of incidents reported in Howick and Pukekohe this month of people falsely claiming to support local sports clubs.
Inspector Rakana Cook said offenders were approaching people on the street and entering businesses.
“The offenders claim to be from local rugby or rugby league clubs, but the raffles they are selling tickets for have already been drawn or are completely fake.
“We have also had a report of an offender entering businesses in the Cockle Bay area selling discounted fuel cards that are expired, and petrol stations won’t accept.”
Cook said the community should “be vigilant” if they are approached about a fundraiser.
“We know our communities get in behind their local sports clubs, so it’s pretty disappointing to see this being exploited.
“While it’s still only a small number of reports, we need the community to be wary of this scam.”