Warning over bogus collectors

Deputy Mayor and Independent Councillor Kieran Corr urged people to make sure they donate only to lawful charities.

The call came after a number of charity workers and Lurgan residents expressed concerns that leaflets posted to homes claiming to be charities are bogus.

Cllr Corr said: “It's been brought to my attention from various people in the Craigavon area, as well as some from recognised charities, that there are so-called charities distributing leaflets asking people to leave their unwanted items at the front door to be picked up before 9am.

“The leaflets also state that they have received a collection permit from the local Council. However, this is not true, as Craigavon Council has not issued any collection permits at all.”

One of the organisations in question printed two telephone numbers on their leaflet and a fake charity registration number.

One of the phone numbers was not recognised and the other went straight to an answering machine.

Cllr Corr urged people to avoid giving to any organisation whose legitimacy is doubtful.

He said: “I would encourage the public to avoid giving anything to this type of collection, as some, if not all of these companies, do not give their profits to charitable causes. They keep the profit for themselves.”

He added: “Some have even been proved to be involved in child trafficking, so people need to make sure that the charity they are donating to are legitimate. I would encourage the public to give to charities such as United Christian Aid, St Vincent De Paul and Craigavon Borough Council Clothing Banks, or to any other registered charity who do great work for people who are in need.”

Bridie McGoldrick, founder of United Christian Aid, said the people behind these scams were “despicable”.

She said: “It’s the way they are operating that makes it so bad. They are fooling people so they can make a quick profit. They are taking the bread out of children’s mouths and the clothing off children’s backs. They are despicable.

“I would like to know how much of their money actually goes towards aid efforts.”

She added: “They are cheating the people. People giving to these organisations are giving in good will. It’s sad that they have been conned. Morally, the people behind this are bankrupt. I am so angry at them."

Mrs McGoldrick concluded: “I would advise people to read the labels before they give anything away. If it says ‘affordable clothing’ on it and it does not have a charity number, do not give anything to them. Some put a bogus number down. People should be wary of that. They are taking advantage of the most vulnerable people on earth."