Fraudulent use of bishop’s name

BISHOP Kieran O’Reilly’s office has issued an alert in respect of a fraud being perpetrated by using the Diocese of Killaloe stationery and the bishop’s signature.

“The office has become aware of a number of incidents in recent weeks, in which an individual fraudulently ordered goods by telephone, using a diocesan staff member’s name and claiming to order on behalf of the bishop or diocese,” said press officer, Fr Brendan Quinlivan.
“The person has used a version of the diocesan office stationery and with Bishop O’Reilly’s signature, both of which may appear to be authentic, to confirm the order. The diocesan office wishes to appeal to all traders across the county, but in the town of Ennis in particular, not to accept any such orders without returning calls to the office land line for verification and not, under any circumstances, to deliver goods to another premises for collection,” he cautioned.
Ennis Garda Superintendent Peter Duff confirmed the matter is under active investigation. “We understand the letters have been sent to various suppliers; they are targeting high-value goods in particular, such as electrical goods,” he said.