Roanoke Rapids police are investigating a scam that purports to be collecting money for patients in critical need of medical care.

Two women dressed in nursing scrubs late this afternoon solicited various businesses in the 1000 block of Roanoke Avenue, according to police Chief Jeff Hinton.

One pitch was for a patient who was in need of treatment for breast cancer and at one point the women, one who had long black hair, used the name Halifax Medical Specialists, which is not soliciting money, said Hinton.

Some of the business owners approached donated small amounts of money while other owners declined and asked them to leave.

These scams are particularly frequent during the holiday season, Hinton said, and encouraged people wanting to donate during this time of year to stick with charities they have always given to.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department at 252-533-2810 during business hours or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.