Bogus callers and rogue traders will offer services like power washing, painting and home repairs, they can be intimidating, often refusing to take no for an answer
Gardai (stock image)(Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Agency, Dublin)
An Garda Síochána has issued an urgent warning about rogue traders who target vulnerable people in their homes.
Bogus callers and rogue traders often call at houses to offer services such as power washing, painting and home repairs. They also might try to sell goods to whoever opens the door.
The Gardai are warning people not to engage with these callers as they can be intimidating and often refuse to take no for an answer.
More than one in two people living in Ireland have been caught out by nasty home repair or contractor scams. There was also a 43% rise in ‘bogus tradespeople’ incidents in 2025 compared with the previous year.
A Garda spokesperson said: “A reminder for those with family members who may be susceptible to having bogus callers and rogue traders call to their homes. Such callers may offer services such as power washing, painting, selling goods, etc. They prefer to target the more vulnerable and people who live alone.
“We advise people not to engage with such callers, Don’t open your door to anyone before you are confident that they are known to you or that they give a genuine reason to be there. Use a chain lock for added security. These callers can be intimidating and often refuse to take no for an answer.
“Contact Gardai immediately on 999/112 should you encounter such a caller and try to give as much information as possible, description of person, registration number of vehicle, direction of travel, etc. We ask you to be vigilant when out and about and report suspicious people/vehicles to us immediately. Please pass this advice on to those who may need a reminder.”
They also issued a stark reminder: “KEEP UNEXPECTED CALLERS OUT. REMEMBER IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT. DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. USE THE DOOR CHAIN. LOOK FOR ID. USE SERVICES OF PEOPLE YOU KNOW AND TRUST”.
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