COLUMBIA -- Con-artists, pretending to be representatives of the Columbia Salvation Army, are going door-to-door asking for donations.

Salvation Army officials stress that their volunteers never go door-to-door. They only accept donations at their offices and from bell ringers with their red kettles.

Real Salvation Army representatives always wear red aprons and buttons with the Salvation Army logo.

The imposters have displayed makeshift logos made from copy machines.

“This is not how the Salvation Army raises money," said Salvation Army Regional Coordinator Maj. K. Kendall Mathews said. "If someone knocks at your door and they say they are representing the Salvation Army, they’re not. Please call the police.”

Mathews said you can find his bell ringers standing outside of plenty of stores in both Columbia and Jefferson City between now and Christmas.

You can also donate to the Salvation Army by dropping off a check at their main offices.