New research has found children as young as 15 are being tricked into becoming money mules.
Gardaí are advising homeowners in the midlands to be on the lookout for bogus officers.
The warning comes after cash was stolen from the home of an elderly man in Longford at the end of last month, by a man pretending to a member of Gardaí.
Crime Prevention Officer for Laois and Offaly, Graham Kavanagh, wants people to contact their local Garda station if they're suspicious of someone at their door.
He's been speaking to Will Faulkner on Midlands Today, and has issued warnings about bogus officers, accommodation fraud and money mules.
He's also appealing for parents to educate their children on the dangers of being a "money mule."
Research from FraudSMART has found people as young as 15 are being tricked into the practice, with gangs often using social media to target Irish students.
Money muling is the process of holding money in your bank account and transferring it again as a 'favour', often with a cash reward.
Sergeant Kavanagh says students need to be aware of the ramifications:
Prison Dispute Linked To Fatal Arson Attack In Offaly
BnM Opens New Funding Round For Offaly Community Benefit Fund
Orange Wind Alerts Issued As Storm Bram Approaches
Irish Hauliers Threaten Protests Over Toll Discount Dispute
Former Irish Soccer Legend Backs Offaly Community After Arson Attack
Tributes Paid To Former Fine Gael Midlands Politician
Midlands 103 Launches Joint Christmas Appeal With Simon Community
Offaly Arson Attack Is An Attack On Society Itself - Taoiseach
Woman Facing Life In Prison After Double Midlands Murder
Housing Committee Chair Flags Cost Concerns Over Apartment Fire Safety Scheme
Justice Minister Wants People To Come Forward Over Offaly Arson Attack
New Report Warns Of “Poor Liquidity” As Ireland’s Housing Market Stalls
Laois TD Renews Calls For Updated Wind Farm Guidelines
Midlands Man Laid To Rest Today
Anti-Racism Funding Granted For Offaly And Westmeath Groups
Gardaí Begin Murder Investigation After Child And Woman Dies In Offaly House Fire
Ashling Murphy Murder "Wrongly Accused" Granted Bail Over Theft Charge
Young Boy And Woman Killed In Offaly House Fire
Laois Makeup Artist Warns Of Expired Suncream Dangers
Lynx and Wolves In Ireland Pose Minimal Threat - Offaly Biodiversity