A CHARITY has admitted that it is being "severely damaged" by suspected bogus collectors posing as its representatives.
The Herald can reveal that disability charity Enable Ireland has launched an investigation into reports of bogus collectors across the country.
The charity has received reports that individuals are posing as door-to-door collectors and requesting homeowners to hand over personal details.
Enable Ireland told the Herald today that the alleged activity is "severely damaging" the charity, adding that it is taking all complaints of bogus collectors "very seriously".
Recession
"It is affecting us very badly and we fear it is only going to get worse as the recession deepens," said communications manager Aghna Hennigan.
"There have been reports recently in Cork and Tipperary and we are investigating those fully. We would say to always check for ID as our representatives are obliged to carry it."
Ms Hennigan said the charity has received a spate of reports in recent months, which she says is "very upsetting".
"Anybody who supports us knows how difficult things are and how much we care about our work. It's very upsetting when we receive reports like these and they are on the rise as they are for many charities.
"These bogus collectors come across as professional but we would advise everyone to be very cautious when handing over personal details."
Gardai in Wicklow warned householders to be on high alert after there were reports of bogus collectors seeking bank account details last month.
The spate of reports comes following warnings from gardai in a number of counties that individuals were calling door-to-door posing as Household Charge collectors.
Gardai have received a number of reports that fraudsters were posing as council workers in a bid to extort the €100.
Elderly residents have been urged to "buy a chain for your door" by Age Action Ireland.
Laois County Council has warned residents to check on the elderly after reports that fraudsters called to homes in Mountmellick and Stradbally.
And in Meath, gardai have been investigating claims that two men have been calling to houses in a bid to extort cash.
hnews@herald.ie