'Excellent idea!'- New way to demand verification from bogus home-callers

Gardaí have created a new way for people, especially elderly or vulnerable residents, to verify the authenticity of house-callers.

The new bogus caller cards have been rolled out in community policing units across the country as a way to help reduce house-call scams and protect those who are vulnerable.

How to use the Bogus Caller cards:

• Tear off a card from the Bogus Caller Card Sheet supplied to you by your local community Gardai.
• Using a door chain/limiter, hand the card to the caller.
• Do not enter into conversation with the caller, simply instruct them to complete the card.
• Genuine callers will leave their identification or contact details and will not be offended.

Gardaí also advise to first go and lock your back door before answering to a home-caller.

Then go to your front window and check to see if you recognise the home-caller.

If you don't recognise the person at your door, hand the bogus caller card to them and instruct them to write their details onto the card.

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This initiative has been rolled out due the the rise in bogus callers, that have specifically targeted elderly people, seeking to scam people for their money.

Please don't hesitate to contact your local Garda Station if you would like to pick up some of these caller cards for yourself or someone you may know, Gardaí said.