GENEROUS shoppers who may have bought tickets from alleged charity con artists are being asked to contact the police.

Officers have arrested two men who were found in York city centre selling tickets for a group named Rainbow Promotions.

They were seen approaching members of the public and asking them to pay £2.50 to be entered into a charity draw.

People were told that money raised would go towards a minibus for disadvantaged children, and were shown photographs of another vehicle the sellers claimed had been bought before.

But a York Police spokesman said officers suspect the charity is not genuine and would like to speak to anyone who has paid out cash.

A Charity Commission spokeswoman said a rip-off had been reported in London under the name Rainbow Competition Promotions. She said that the Commission, which regulates all charities in England and Wales, has no record of a charity or fundraising group under the name Rainbow Promotions.

A suspicious shopper alerted the police and the two men, in their early 20s and from the Middlesbrough area, were arrested on New Year's Eve.

They were selling tickets in Market Street, near the Early Learning Centre, and told customers that they could win a holiday in Spain. Buyers were given a ticket with several questions on it which they were told to send to a post box address in Middles-brough.

Anyone who has bought a ticket is asked to phone PC Lailah Nigaila on 0845 60 60 24 7.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said licensing department officers have been liaising with the police.

She said: "This matter does highlight the need for proper adherence to licensing laws, in particular street trading and licensing for official charities and on-street collections."

Police say the two men arrested have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Meanwhile, trading standards chiefs have once again warned residents to be on their guard for a telephone scam in which residents are told they have won a foreign lottery.

Staff at Consumer Direct, which offers advice to residents across Yorkshire and Humber, have received many calls from people who have been told they have won a prize, but must first pay an administration fee.

The latest scam has emerged from Canada. Victims are told they have an interest in a property that will pay a huge sum of money in the near future but they need to pay a £30 registration fee.

John Field, Consumer Direct manager, said people should think carefully before parting with their cash. He said foreign companies were very difficult to trace, or to approach for compensation.

He said: "People need to realise that they will not only lose money, but they will also become a potential future victim."

Consumer Direct can be contacted by phone on 08454 04 05 06.

Updated: 08:30 Tuesday, January 18, 2005