There's been a surge in the number of calls and callers in the region.
Gardaí are appealing to the public for information in relation to scam callers in Portarlington.
A man was going door to door attempting to extract money from residents by claiming theirs was counterfeit.
They're asking anyone who was in the Emo road area of the town between 12:30 and 1 on Wednesday to contract Portlaoise Garda Station.
Gardaí have this advice for dealing with potential scams:
Bogus callers will say anything to get into your home or onto your property including producing false identification claiming to be there in an official capacity.
"There’s been an accident, can I call an ambulance?”
"I’ve broken down, can I use your phone?”
"I’ve had a fall, could I have a glass of water”
"I’m from the council, there’s a burst main, I need to turn off your supply”
In all cases you need to be wary of strangers calling to your home. They may be offering services such as power washing, painting, selling goods etc.
Take precautions -
• Do not open the door to anyone before you’ve checked who it is and what they want. Use your door viewer and chain/limiter.
• Check identification, where appropriate.
• Do not leave strangers unattended at your doorstep.
• Ensure your back door is locked when you answer a call at the front door.
•Keep gates to yards closed.
We advise and encourage people not to engage with such callers. Don't open your door to anyone before you have checked who it is and what they want. They can be intimidating and refuse to take no for an answer. Please pass this advice on to those in our community that may live alone or be susceptible to engaging with strangers.
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