Seen this sign, or ones like it? Ignore them, say police.
It comes after Ryedale Neighbourhood Policing Team have been dealing with beggars on the streets of Malton and Pickering.
Their advice: “Please don’t be taken in by the sign!
“You may recall that we had the same issue last year and the sign they had with them then was just like this one that was removed from the beggar today.
“Although the sign that they carry with them clearly states that the person is homeless, it is in fact an organised group of beggars that DO live in houses and DO have access to benefits and support.”
They said anyone who wants to support the genuinely homeless to “donate directly to the appropriate charities.
“By doing that, your money will go to the people that really need it.”