Gardaí in Cork, Tipperary and Limerick are urging people to be vigilant following a number of scams in the area.

A man, claiming to be from the alarm company PhoneWatch, has taken debit cards off people and then withdrew cash from their accounts.

One incident happened on Saturday February 29th at approximately 3.30pm - when the man called to a house in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, and was invited in after claiming he was an employee at PhoneWatch.

The man is reported to have dark hair and glasses, and has apparent PhoneWatch paraphernalia and literature.

He said he would upgrade their alarm system for a fee.

When the victim handed over his debit card for payment, the man asked for his pin number into a small device he was carrying.

He then retained the debit card and handed back a different one.

Cash was then withdrawn from a number of banks in Tipperary and Limerick on Saturday February 29th and Sunday March 1st.

Gardaí are appealing to the public to always be careful providing details to anyone not known to them calling to their home, particularly bank details.

"If you are unsure about the bona fides of any caller, do not invite them into your home and contact your local Garda station who will assist you in verifying their details."

Anyone with information in relation to incidents of this nature are asked to contact their local Garda station or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.