SOUTHSIDE mass-goers have been targeted by unscrupulous bogus charity collectors.
A bogus collector purporting to be from a genuine charity held a bucket collection outside a church on the Southside recently.
A local councillor who was among those duped by the bogus collector is urging others to be more vigilant in the run up to Christmas.
Cllr Ã?amonn Walsh (FF) was conned into buying a lottery ticket while he was campaigning prior to the Children’s Referendum.
“I asked the man outside the church what charity he was from and when he told me I thought it was a bit strange for it to be based outside Dublin,
? he told Southside People.
“I asked if he had a permit, which he showed me. It seemed like a legitimate laminated permit with the charity’s name on it so I bought a lottery ticket from him thinking the money was going to a good cause.
“However, when I made further enquiries to the gardaà later on they confirmed that though the charity organisation was genuine, they had appointed no collectors in Dublin that weekend.
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Cllr Walsh added:
“It would appear that the permit was photocopied and used fraudulently. I feel like a bit of an idiot now for falling for this scam.
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Traditionally, the incidence of bogus charity collections increases around Christmas time when opportunistic thieves take advantage of the spirit of generosity and goodwill.
According to Cllr Walsh, while members of the public should be vigilant, they should not be put off donating to charity.
“This is a good time for charity collections and it is hoped that people will respond as well as they can to Christmas appeals,
? he stated.
“Though bucket collections are used during Christmas and are a source of funding for many charities, people should check that the collection is authorised
“However, door-to-door collections should be viewed with suspicion and charities you have never heard of should be ignored.
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He added:
“Charity fraud is a most cynical act and an abuse of people’s goodwill and kindness. This illegal activity deprives the genuine charities of much needed funds and is something that everyone should be aware of this Christmas.
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Anyone who is suspicious is advised to ask the collector for a permit and to contact the charity directly or the gardai.