Clare Gardaí warn locals to watch out for bogus traders currently active in the area

An Garda Síochána in East Clare and North Tipperary are warning the public to be extra vigilant regarding bogus traders and cold callers

This has been issued as over the last two weeks in Clare there has been a number of incidents of involving 'tradesmen' who are canvassing members of the public, offering them illegitimate home repair services along with lawn and landscaping services.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána in the county said, "There are a number of people who are travelling around the East Clare and North Tipperary with the sole aim of trying to defraud people by offering services such as building work, repairs and gardening/landscaping."

Offering tips on how to ensure the legitimacy of a tradesman, Gardaí advised the following:

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• If someone cold-calls to your door offering services and you’re unsure of their lawfulness– please contact your local Garda station immediately
• If you do wish to avail of their services, ask for a brochure or documentation so you can carry out checks and verify their credibility. This should include a contact number and a VAT registered number
• If you are satisfied that the company or individual(s) are credible and you want to make a purchase, ask for an itemised written quotation for the exact goods/services being offered
• Always seek comparable estimates for services. Never engage a person who insists on a cash payment as it is untraceable
• Genuine tradespeople won’t be offended by any queries that a customer or Gardaí may make
• If you or someone you know has paid for work that was not carried out or was substandard, please report it to your nearest Garda station