There is growing concern at the increase in bogus charities operating in the Athlone area.
The matter is to be referred to the Gardaí at the next Joint Policing Committee for the area, after councillors expressed concern that people are being taken in by collectors claiming to act on behalf of reputable charities.
Cllr Frankie Keena said people had been calling to homes in recent weeks claiming they were carrying out a clothing collection on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society; however the ICS had confirmed that they were not engaging people to do a clothing collection and were “very annoyed that these people were using their charity’s name”.
“We need to highlight that if people come to your door with these bags, to make sure to look for further information to ensure it is going to a proper source,” said Cllr Keena.
He was supported by Cllrs Tom Allen and John Dolan, who was concerned that the bogus collectors would impinge on the fundraising capacities of genuine charities.
