Mullingar: Three men have been arrested as part of a Garda investigation into reports of counterfeiting in the Mullingar area of Ireland. They were taken into custody at Mullingar Garda Station. Three people have been arrested and charged as part of an investigation into reports of fake traders in the Mullingar area of County Westmeath.
The event is as follows:
On Thursday, November 3, three people called to an elderly man's home in the Mullingar area. They identified themselves as builders and said they needed human roof repairs. In the days following this encounter, the landlord paid the three men a large sum of money, but they did not do any work on the property.
Gardaà became aware of the matter and arrested three men at the owner's property yesterday. Two men in their 40s and a man in their 30s were arrested at Mullingar Garda Station and will appear in the criminal courts on charges.
Garda advise be aware:
1. Bad work/excessive charges -or no work done at all.
The home of an elderly or vulnerable person who lives alone may target that person. And the victim will be convinced that professional roofers, guttering experts, painters, repairmen or other tradesmen need to be done.
Or they will understand and offer their services. Usually going to the roof or attic of the identified house, hammering, drilling, painting, etc. will begin to give the job shape. When they consistently complete 'work' within a short period of time, they demand payment. Uses money and often intimidation tactics. They may even take the victim to the bank to withdraw money
2. Bogus VAT charges
Different members of the same gang would visit the victim's house posing as VAT officials and demand money. They are already implementing the scheme and seeking further payments.
3. Investment scams
When the criminals are convinced that they have tricked the intended victim into hiring them, they will ask for a deposit to buy the materials. After making the necessary repairs or securing the deposit, they run away and never return.
4. Thefts
Thieves will target a specific area or use a number of methods to ensure access to the home of the victim, which can be furniture, paintings or other valuables. They then force the victim to sign the receipts Sale of article secured by them. They can use subtle and intimidating tactics to force their victim to 'sell'. Many of the bogus dealers/callers are regular door-to-door salesmen. There are many ways that people/contractors/repair/work too little and charge too much. And others are suspected of extorting money from people. Be careful people like this are likely to approach you too.
What can people do to prevent the above criminal behavior?
If a person knocks on your door offering you professional trades and services, observe the following:
Say you never hire people who 'cold call' your door. Brochure or other documentation that you can
Investigate and confirm to be reliable. Must have contact telephone number, known address and a VAT. Registered No.
Be especially careful where sales documentation displays only mobile contact numbers or incomplete addresses. Use telephone directory inquiries.
If you are satisfied that the company or person is trustworthy. investigate. Never rely solely on the accuracy of the information provided. Check the information yourself.
Always seek comparable estimates from other reputable companies and services
Never deal with a person who insists on payment for services offered. A reputable company always uses a payment method that can be found always.
Keep strangers at bay and write down everything you can remember about what happened. Descriptions of persons, their clothing, any peculiarities or distinguishing features and any vehicles they use. Keep any documents they provide safe
Be a good neighbor, advise neighbors or friends of elderly or vulnerable people, these possible scams. If you suspect fake callers or traders are in your area and look suspicious or vulnerable, never hesitate to contact a neighbor's house.
Advise people who feel especially vulnerable not to open the door. Open the front door to callers with a chain or door limiter.
Ask your local Garda station or your local Garda Crime Prevention Officer about 'bogus caller cards' For more information on this or other crime prevention topics, please visit the Garda website www.garda.ie or https://www.garda.ie/en/ Visit crime-prevention/bogus-traders-callers.pdf
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