Warning issued after men carrying Gardaí badge attempt to scam elderly people in Cavan and Monaghan

A similar incident occurred in Cork earlier this year.

Gardaí in Cavan and Monaghan have issued a warning after men carrying a Gardaí badge attempted to scam elderly people out of money. The Gardaí in a neighbouring division confirmed they are investigating two recent incidents where two males called to the homes of elderly residents impersonating detectives. The two men were carrying what looked like a Garda badge and their pretence was to show a sum of money which they claimed belonged to the elderly person. However, the men told the residents they would need to see other money in the home before returning the cash. "Criminals don't care about divisional boundaries and we have received a report of a similar crime in the recent past," a Gardaí spokesperson said on Thursday. "Please be vigilant and don't open your door to anyone before you have confirmed who it is and what they want," they added, "Ring your local Garda Station immediately to report any of these callers to your home." Gardaí are also appealing for people to keep an eye on their neighbours, particularly the elderly and vulnerable as the darker evenings approach and to report any "suspicious persons or vehicles immediately". A similar incident occurred in Cork earlier this year in which two men asked the occupant of a house in Cork to show them any €50 notes he had in his possession, having first shown him a number of fake €50 notes and a Garda badge. Gardaí have asked people to follow the following advice if they have any concerns:

• If in doubt, do not open the door, use a door chain, and ask to see ID.
• Use only the services of people you know and trust.
• if you require assistance call your local Garda station.
• Keep a lookout for friends and neighbours while adhering to appropriate physical distancing.