An Garda Síochána has received reports of workmen calling to houses in the Co. Monaghan area offering to tarmac driveways in a fraud operation.
Gardaí have warned that the individuals appear professional in their clothing and vehicles, while also offering special offers and prices.
Meanwhile, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) have also warned that these types of scams are happening nationwide, with groups of men posing as construction workers offering surplus materials left over from projects (tarmacadam) at knocked down prices.
The association said that even if landowners or farmers do not engage with the callers, there are still cases, where the work is carried out anyway in an attempt to “extort huge prices”.
The IFA said that this has ended up with members being “threatened and harassed” night and day with phone calls.
“We are encouraging IFA members not to engage with these bogus traders and callers and to report any suspicious individuals to An Garda Síochana immediately,” the IFA stated.
Love fraud
The Garda National Economic Crime Unit has also reported a significant increase in online fraud and in particular romance fraud.
Individuals legitimately go on dating or meeting apps where they give personal details looking for a future partner. In the follow up, ‘perfect matches’ are made online and never in person.
“The individual heart rendering conversations that take place are exceptionally convincing,” the IFA warned.
The fraud usually involves an offer of financial assistance to the person, and once money is exchanged, the victim never hears from them again.
“Please be aware of such deceptions and be observant of older, lonely, isolated family members and friends who might fall into this category.
“The financial loss in cases which are known about has reached over €1 million in the past 12 months,” the IFA said.
The IFA also warned the public to always ensure online purchases are made on legitimate website and that verification methods are in in place with approved banking methods.