Scammer takes advantage of charity

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 28, 2016

LaGRANGE — A woman posing as an employee of a local homeless agency is reported to be placing donation canisters in stores around Troup County and taking the money.

The thief is emptying the cans that are marked for Emmaus House LaGrange, formerly known as the Emmaus Center, and keeping the proceeds for herself, said Denná Muncy, president of the Emmaus board of directors.

The group recently received reports about the fake donation canisters from concerned residents, said Muncy. People said an African-American woman claimed she was a case manager with Emmaus House LaGrange and placed the cans in stores and businesses.

“We are unsure how many donation canisters there are in Troup County or elsewhere,” Muncy stated. “The Emmaus House LaGrange has the use of its name and logo so businesses and individuals can donate change (to the organization). However, we do not at this present time have canisters located in Troup County nor have we received any of the monies from those canisters.”

Muncy said the woman is fraudulently representing the agency and the donation canisters are a scam.

“The bottom line is misrepresentation, exaggeration or lying … reflects a lack of professionalism and poor judgment and breaches the trust of others, often irrevocably,” stated Muncy. “A person of this caliber is duping the generosity of the community and hurting an organization that is trying to help our homeless women and children in need.”

Investigators with both the Troup County Sheriff’s Office and the LaGrange Police Department said they are aware of the issue.

Any businesses with an Emmaus House of LaGrange canister in their store is asked to remove it from view and contact Muncy at 706-885-2346.

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Group: Person faking shelter collection canisters

By Melanie Ruberti

mruberti@civitasmedia.com

Melanie Ruberti is a reporter with LaGrange Daily News. She can be reached at 706-884-7311, ext. 2156.