Local Gardai warn over Garda impersonators

Gardai in Laois/Offaly are reminding people to be cautious of fraudsters impersonating Gardai.

In a post on its Facebook page, An Garda Síochana Laois Offaly said it aware of an increase in the number of incidents of people impersonating Gardaí.

It asked people to bring this to the attention of family, friends and neighbours particularly those that may be more vulnerable.

It said: "Recent incidents of this type involve the ‘conmen’ requesting to check cash held by the injured party as a result of an increase in counterfeit cash circulating in the area, or that the ‘conmen’ need to check the security of the house as a result of an increase in burglaries in the area."

An Garda Síochána said its members would not cold call to a house and request to do either of these.

An Garda Síochána wishes to remind the public that any Garda member calling to your door will have identification. 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 Gardaí 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.