Gardai have warned of a rise in a type of scam where devious fraudsters are posing as officers and knocking at people's doors to gain access to homes.
The latest scam sees fraudsters calling to doors and pretending to be with An Garda Siochana. It involves the conmen asking to check the security of the house over alleged burglaries in the area - not unlike the opening scene of Christmas favourite Home Alone - or to check cash as a result of counterfeit cash circulating in the area.
A garda spokesman said that An Garda Siochana will not cold call to a house and request to do either of these. He said: "An Garda Síochána wish to remind the public that any Garda member calling to your door will have identification.
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"Should you have any concerns about the person at the door, you should not answer the door even if they are purporting to be a Garda. Genuine Gardai will always provide details to allow you to confirm their identity with the local Garda Station and will be patient while you choose to so," said the spokesman.
Gardai have also provided tips for homeowners to keep safe when answering their doors over the Christmas. These tips are:
- Don't open your door to anyone before you have confirmed who it is and what they want, even if this means ringing Gardaí to confirm they are who they say they are.
- Use a chain lock for added security.
- Contact Gardaí immediately should you encounter such a caller and try to give as much information to Gardaí as possible, i.e. description of person, registration number, direction of travel etc.
A garda spokesman said: "We ask you to be vigilant when out and about, please keep an eye on the elderly and vulnerable and report suspicious persons/vehicles to Gardaí immediately.
"Please pass this advice on to those who may need a reminder." For more information and advice visit garda.ie
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