Don’t get caught out.
Gardaí have warned people to be wary of people who ‘cold call’ to your door, meaning that they have come to your door without an appointment or any notice.
Following an incident in Bantry, Cork where ‘cold callers’ came to an elderly lady’s home, uninvited, and made her feel pressurised into buying a vast amount of goods, which she said she did not want, Gardaí have urged people to always ask for documentation so you can verify their credibility.
The lady, who lives alone, handed over a substantial amount of money made up of several cheques, thankfully most of which were cancelled before being cashed.
Gardaí have appealed to anyone who may have also been a victim of such a crime to contact them at any Garda Station. Gardaí are also asking that people make elderly family members, neighbours or friends aware of the incident and the crime prevention advice from An Garda Siochana.
They also said to be be careful of documentation that only displays mobile contact numbers or incomplete addresses.
To ensure that you don’t get caught out, they have also said not to engage with a person who insists on a cash payment, and to never leave any workers unsupervised in your home.
Speaking about the incident at Anglesea Street Garda Station, Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Tony Davis said: “This is a heinous crime that was committed as it targets the more vulnerable members of our communities. If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours and see or hear about bogus traders doing the rounds, let them and ourselves know so we can put out additional patrols.
“If you suspect that anyone who calls to your door selling goods or services is not who they say they are, tell them you are not interested and call the Gardaí immediately. Genuine trade’s people won’t be offended by any queries the Gardaí may make. If you are answering the door to ‘cold callers’, apply the chain or door limiter before opening the door.
“I would also ask that if anyone feels like they, or someone they know has been a victim of being sold goods for extortionate prices, or paid for a service that was not carried out, to call any Garda station and report the matter.”
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