San Diego

An increase of people misrepresenting themselves as donation collectors has prompted the St. Vincent de Paul Center to issue a warning to would-be donors, officials said Monday.

No donation collector for the St. Vincent de Paul Center is permitted to collect funds on the street or over the phone, according to center president Father Joe Carroll.

“We’ve gotten six or seven calls in the last week telling us about people soliciting money on our behalf over the phone, in front of supermarkets and at Sea World and Seaport Village,” Carroll said. “Anyone doing this should be reported to the police or to us directly.”

The center helps find food and shelter for more than 1,000 homeless San Diegans on a regular basis and as many as 4,000 during the holiday season, according to Carroll.

“This is the time of year people get in a soft mood, and want to help the most,” he said. “Unfortunately, there are others who will take advantage of that spirit of giving and use it for their own gain.”

Carroll said those who wish to make donations should send them directly to the charity of their choice.

“If you’re a legitimate agency you have a location, and that is where donations should be sent,” he said.