UNICEF card scam

The card pictured here looks genuine enough, but the giveaway is that it is only printed on one side, and genuine UNICEF sponsorship cards are printed on both sides. Also, the quality of the pictures would suggest that it was a copy of another printed original.

It was found thrown in a hedge in Kilcullen, with €88 collected on it.

"It has become an increasing problem lately," a spokesperson for UNICEF Ireland says.

She said that all genuine UNICEF cards of this kind are on high quality card, and are printed on both sides.

Also, details of the particular event which is being sponsored should be written in on the card, and the name of the collector.

And if you are asked on the street, or on your doorstep, to donate to any charity, look for identification, and authorisation from the charity for the person to be a collector.