Beware of bogus collectors
A PUBLIC warning has been issued to residents surrounding bogus collections, purporting to be from the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP).
The Echo has learned that ‘SVP’ envelopes have been posted through letterboxes in the Cherry Orchard area – notifying residents that they will be back to collect any donations during the week.
Bogus collectors
However, SVP has warned that the envelopes are nothing to do with them.
The Echo understands youngsters aged 12-14, have been spotted posting the envelopes into homes in the Croftwood area, but the scale of the activity is unclear at this stage.
“We are not collecting in the area, normally if we do, it is outside Assumption Church once a month,” said Marie Cronin, SVP vice-president of the area. “Certainly not door-to-door. The closest we do is a bucket collection.”
SVP are concerned that the scam might dupe some households, and have a negative impact on legitimate collections in the lead up to Christmas.
Cherry Orchard Parish posted a warning on their Facebook page on Monday, advising residents to be aware “if you have any young people knocking at your door asking for sponsorships or collecting for any charity, it is not on our behalf.”
The parish said there would always be someone with official ID if it was an official collection.
If anyone suspects bogus collectors operating in the area, they are encouraged to call Ballyfermot Garda Station at 6667200 or Ronanstown Garda Station at 6667700.
