Mags GarganGardaí have appealed to clergy to be vigilant after allegations of fraud against priests by an individual reportedly posing as a social worker.
The Irish Catholic understands that a number of priests in dioceses in the Leinster area were allegedly approached by an individual claiming to be a social worker acting on behalf of families in distress. It is understood that the priests allege that the individual reportedly claimed that money was urgently needed to pay an outstanding fine to prevent a parent from being imprisoned.
It is understood that a number of priests willingly parted with hundrreds of euro in the understanding that the individual was a bona fide social worker and that the money would be reimbursed.
It is understood a number of priests were approached individually. However, one priest, who was initially contacted in these circumstances and asked for money, reportedly became suspicious and contacted the Gardaí to express concern after having heard a similarly unusual story from another priest in a neighbouring diocese.
Arrangements were made with the person claiming to be a social worker that the person who allegedly needed to pay the fine to avoid prison would call to the presbytery to collect the money. However, Gardaí reportedly decided to be present at this pre-arranged meeting and an arrest was made.
The Irish Catholic understands that an individual has been charged and is due to appear before the courts.
A Garda spokesperson said “we would appeal to all members of the community to be vigilant when dealing with callers to their property.
“Always check the bona fides of the person and never divulge personal details. We also encourage members of the public to report all suspicious behaviour to local Gardaí.”
A spokesperson from the Health Service Executive (HSE) told The Irish Catholic that members of the public should be aware of “the importance of asking for identification when individuals claiming to be working for the health service call in person or on the telephone seeking personal information.
“All HSE staff carry full identification and are always pleased to show it.”