Garda appeal over bogus traders and cold callers

Crime Prevention Alert

An Garda Síochána in East Clare & North Tipperary are appealing for everyone to be extra vigilant regarding bogus traders and cold callers. Over the last two weeks there have been a number of incidents of ‘tradesmen’ travelling around the East Clare & North Tipperary with the sole aim of trying to defraud people by offering services such as building work, repairs and gardening/ landscaping.

If someone cold-calls to your door offering services and you’re unsure of their legitimacy, please contact your local garda station immediately. If you do wish to avail of their services, ask for a brochure or documentation so you can carry out checks and verify their credibility. This should include a contact number and a VAT registered number.

If you are satisfied that the company or individual(s) are credible and you want to make a purchase, ask for an itemised written quotation for the exact goods/services being offered. Always seek comparable estimates for services. Never engage a person who insists on a cash payment as it is untraceable.

If you or someone you know has paid for work that was not carried out or was substandard, please report it to your nearest garda station. For more crime prevention advice on the topic please see https://www.garda.ie/.../Crime.../Bogus-Traders-Callers.pdf