Posed as garda to scam OAP
An unidentified scammer posed as a member of An Garda Siochana in order to dupe a Monaghan old age pensioner out of €400.
Gardaí in Clones are investigating the incident, which occurred last week, Tuesday, November 9.
The male, purporting to be an officer of the law, called to the elderly person’s home in the Scotshouse area at around 11am, and produced what has since been described as a Garda identification.
Making reference to a number of break-ins that had occurred in the local area at the time, the male requested to “examine” the homeowner’s money.
The fake garda then told the man that he would conclude checking the cash back at his car and left the scene.
“Were you in the general area of Scotshouse/Redhills this morning and did you note any suspicious cars or persons? If you can assist please contact Monaghan Garda Station on 047-77240,” gardaí have asked in a post shared on social media.
“It is so important to look out for the vulnerable in our communities.
“Please pass on our advice not to entertain cold callers to their homes and only open the door when satisfied that the caller is genuine.”
Similar incidents have been reported in the Castleblayney and Nobber, Co Meath, areas also. Gardaí are trying to established if the same male is connected to all three incidents.
Online frauds
Gardaí meanwhile have warned that online frauds are “continuing”.
This week gardaí in Cavan-Monaghan received a report from an unsuspecting victim who received a text message purporting to be from Bank of Ireland.
“This text stated that an unknown direct debit was added to the victim’s account. This was then followed up by a phone call from a male purporting to be from the bank’s fraud section displaying what appeared to be the correct number of the bank.”
The victim unwittingly thought this to be a genuine call and provided his bank details when asked, and a large sum of money was then removed from the account.
“Remember fraudsters can spoof a phone number to convince you the call is genuine. Also don’t forget no bank employee will ever ask for your personal details over the phone. Please be alert for such scammers.”