South Bend Police are reminding you that panhandlers you see on street corners holding signs about raising money for families-in-need or for funeral funds are typically fakesters.

Some signs show a picture of a boy who died of cancer… others reference car crashes or other deadly diseases.

The posters are intended to tug at your heartstrings, and the scammers are banking on the fact that you don’t have time to vet their stories in the 90 seconds you spend sitting at a red light.

The best advice from police is to, instead, give to established organizations that help people in times of need.

If you spot someone blocking traffic or putting themselves or others in danger, call 911.