RESIDENTS are being urged to be on their guard against scammers posing as charity collectors for the Bury phoenix football club.

Three men have been reported to be visiting pubs and knocking on the doors of people's homes claiming to be from Bury AFC.

A warning has now been issued by both the club and Greater Manchester Police.

The scammers are said to have been trying to sell slots from a charity football card and telling people the proceeds will go to the club.

In a statement on Facebook, the club said: "We have been made aware of a group, claiming association with Bury AFC, selling slots on a football card both in local pubs and via door-to-door sales.

"This has not been set up by us."

One of the offenders has been telling people he is called 'Dave', officers said. He is described as white.

Another younger white male is said to be around five feet 10 inches tall and born in 1994.

The third is an Asian male around five feet six inches tall and born in 1990.

In a post on social media, officers from Greater Manchester Police's Bury North team said: "A Police officer has checked with the club who have confirmed this isn't anyone representing them.

"The club have tweeted information to confirm this is not linked to them.

"If you are approached please always ask for credentials and check fully before parting with your hard earned cash.

"If unsure with the football charity card scam please phone Bury AFC."