Raleigh, N.C. — The American Red Cross of Eastern North Carolina is warning residents about a scam in which people posing as Red Cross staff members offer to pay workers to travel to the Northeast and help in Hurricane Sandy cleanup.

Red Cross officials said the scammers ask the workers to meet in a public parking lot to load into a van or bus to travel to New York and New Jersey, the areas hit hardest by the hurricane. Workers are told they will be paid per day.

The Red Cross said it is unlawful to pose as a staff member or volunteer without proper training or identification. And the nonprofit does not pay for volunteers to aid in a disaster.

Anyone who is approached by someone claiming to offer payment for work on behalf of organization is asked to contact any local Red Cross office.