Parishes issue warning over Lenten scam

CHURCHES throughout Mayo are warning parishioners about a Lenten scam.

Parish newsletters have highlighted how homes in two parishes in Co. Offaly have been visited by individuals claiming to be involved with Trócaire's Lenten campaign.

The fraudsters delivered Trócaire boxes to the door and left instructions that they would call back after Lent to collect them.

The individuals involved were not affiliated with Trócaire or the local diocese and, thankfully, no donations were made to them.

While there have been no incidents in Mayo, Trócaire have asked people to be vigilant and report any suspicious approaches to the gardaí.

Fintan Maher, Trócaire's director of outreach, reiterated how the Trócaire box – a institution in Irish homes - operates: “Each Trócaire box contains clear instructions about the ways supporters can return their box after Lent. Boxes can be returned to local schools or parishes, cheques or postal orders can be sent to Trócaire offices in Maynooth, Cork, Belfast or Dublin 3, or people can call 1850 408 408 or log onto www.trocaire.org.”