Garda warning over bogus callers in Donegal

 

Gardai in Donegal have issued an appeal to the public to be vigilant in relation to recent reports of cold callers and suspected bogus traders.
People have also been asked to report any matters which they feel are suspicious to Gardaí.
Gardai in Donegal have confirmed that they have had a small number of reports of cold callers and bogus traders; these are people who come to a home or business unannounced and offer products or services under false pretences.
Gardai are appealing to the public to be vigilant for anything out of the ordinary and to report any suspicious occurrences.
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 tradespeople won’t be offended by any queries the Gardaí may make. By reporting these incidents allows Gardai to deploy personnel to those areas.
Gardai are also reminding the public that Community Policing units are always on hand to pay regular visits to anyone who might feel susceptible to any type of crime.
Donegal’s Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Paul Wallace has the following advice to householders.
“If you are answering the door to ‘cold callers’, apply the chain or door limiter before opening the door. Ask for a brochure or documentation so you can carry out checks and verify their credibility. This should include a contact number and a V.A.T registered number. Be careful of documentation that only displays mobile contact numbers or incomplete addresses. If you are satisfied that the company or individual is credible and you want to make a purchase, ask for an itemised written quotation for the exact goods/services being offered.
“Never rely of the accuracy of the information, always verify the information yourself. Always seek comparable estimates for services. Never engage a person who insists on a cash payment as it is untraceable. Neve leave strangers, even bona fide workers, unsupervised in your home. 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,” he concluded.