Gardai have issued a number of tips to protect yourself against bogus callers after five people were arrested in relation to a garda impersonation scam
Four men, two aged in their 30s, one in their 50s and another in his 60s, and one woman, aged in her 50s, were arrested yesterday and are currently detained in five separate garda stations across the east of Ireland. It is alleged that members of the gang called to rural homes claiming to be garda officers and seized money from residents.
The Meath Crime Prevention group on Facebook has issued a number of tips on dealing with bogus callers to avoid being scammed. They said: "It is important to remember that gardai will not cold call to a house and request to check cash."
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Here is the full list:
• 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. Ideally invest in a CCTV camera system for the house or a panic alarm pendant which can be obtained for free.
• Check identification, where appropriate. If a member of An Garda Síochána calls to your home, they will park in your driveway or right outside your house, contact your local garda Station if you are in any doubt. Genuine gardai will always provide official details to allow you to confirm their identity with your local garda Station and will be patient while you choose to do so.
• Do not leave strangers unattended at your doorstep.
• Ensure your back door is locked when you answer.
• Do not keep large amounts of cash in your home. Use banks, building societies, credit unions, post offices etc., as much as possible.
• Keep all credit and debit cards in a secure location, including bank and other financial books and statements etc.
• Make use of good neighbours who will keep an eye on your property and call to you to make sure everything is ok.
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