Gardaí warn public to be vigilant following recent bogus caller incidents

Gardaí have issued a warning after two recent reports of bogus callers.

In one instance, an elderly man was out working in the garden when he was approached by another man who had a work van with him. The van had a ‘roofing’ company name and a contact number on it. 

This man claimed to have just completed work on a neighbouring house but he could not say which house when asked. He tried to get the elderly man in question to agree to have work done on his driveway or his roof and was quite persistent.

It was only when the elderly man’s son returned that the man in question made a quick getaway. This incident occurred last Tuesday, April 2 at a house on the outskirts of Letterkenny. 

In another, called the ‘Tarmac Scam’ a conman typically goes door-to-door, claiming to be a builder working on a contract who has some leftover tarmac, and offering to conduct work on a driveway at a low cost.

The material then used is often gravel chippings covered with engine oil or not the right depth and type of materials to form a lasting road surface. The conmen may target elderly, vulnerable residents and claim to be official contractors working on roadworks to add credibility.

They often increase the cost during the work claiming that the job has required more material than expected and they may then start to issue threats.

In light of the elderly man and the ‘Tarmac Scam’ gardaí would like to “re-issue advice to those with family members who may be susceptible to having bogus callers and rogue traders call to their homes. We urge everybody to speak to their elderly family members, neighbours and friends concerning bogus callers. 

“Bogus callers may offer services such as power washing, painting, selling goods etc., They prefer to target the more vulnerable and people who live alone. 

“We advise people not to engage with such callers. Don't open your door to anyone before you are confident that they are known to you or that they have a genuine reason to be there. 

“Use a chain lock for added security. These callers can be intimidating and often refuse to take no for an answer.

Contact Gardaí immediately should you encounter such a caller and try to give as much information as possible, description of the person, registration number, direction of travel or anything else relevant.

“Do not agree to have any type of work carried out by anybody who calls to your home. Genuine tradesmen/builders do not usually call door to door seeking work, they advertise in papers or online," a garda spokesperson continued. 

“We ask everybody to be vigilant when out and about and to report any suspicious people/vehicles to us immediately. Look out for elderly/vulnerable family members and neighbours.”