Gardaí are urging the public to be aware of “bogus traders” after a group called to an elderly lady’s house and pressured her into buying a stockpile of tools she “had no use for and did not want.”

Investigators in Bantry, County Cork said the woman was forced to pay an “extortionate price” for 12 chainsaws, 11 generators, 7 power washers and assorted tools.

The lady, who lives alone handed over a substantial amount of money after the ‘cold callers’ arrived at her house.

She paid the group in several cheques – most of which she was able to cancel before they were cashed.

Garda Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Tony Davis said: “This is a heinous crime that was committed as it targets the more vulnerable members of our communities.”

“If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours and see or hear about bogus traders doing the rounds, let them and ourselves know so we can put out additional patrols,” he said.

“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 trade’s people won’t be offended by any queries the Gardaí may make.

“If you are answering the door to ‘cold callers,’ apply the chain or door limiter before opening the door.

“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.”

Sergeant Davis said Community Policing units are “always on hand” to visit anyone who feels susceptible to any type of crime.

Gardaí are urging people to make elderly family members, neighbours and friends aware of the advice.

Garda crime prevention advice:

• If a person calls to your door offering you professional trade services or selling goods and you are worried they are not bona fide, tell the caller that you never employ trades people or buy goods from people who ‘cold call’ to your 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(s) are 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.
• Never leave strangers, even bona fide workers, unsupervised in your home.