The Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation are investigating a bogus missionary appeal under which a number of religious institutions have been targeted.
A letter purporting to come from a senior religious figure in Africa is being forwarded to religious agencies and church orders, requesting assistance in transferring money to Ireland for the supposed purchase of medical supplies.
The letter claims that direct contact by telephone or fax is not possible due to poor communications networks in the particular African country from which it is sent.
Different countries have been used in three cases currently under investigation by gardaí.
The letter goes on to advise that a priest from the African country - in each case called "Father John" - is presently in Ireland. A cheque for €46,000 is enclosed with the letter with a request that it be lodged into the bank account of the Irish institution on the basis that when "Father John" visits he will be able to draw down funds.
It is explained the money is to be used by "Father John" to purchase medical equipment for African hospitals and local health centres before his return.
The letter further claims that due to exchange control regulations, "Father John" is not allowed to leave Africa with large amounts of cash.
Gardaí said their investigations revealed that in each case the cheques were worthless.
They added in no case were the defrauders successful in obtaining money from religious institutions.
A Garda spokesman noted the investigation followed a recent well-publicised fraud involving an overseas appeal for money for investment purposes.
"Where the other one appealed to people's greedy nature this one appeals to their good nature," he remarked.
In a statement, gardaí said it was feared "that more similar attempts may be made to obtain money by deception.
"Accordingly religious orders/institutions and also commercial businesses should be extremely vigilant and cautious if unexpected correspondence of this nature is received. Any such correspondence which raises concern should be reported to the gardaí."
