An Garda Síochána in east Co. Clare and north Co. Tipperary are appealing for people to be extra vigilant regarding bogus traders and cold callers.

In a post on social media, an Garda Síochána in Co. Clare said that over the last two weeks (July 2025) there has been a number of incidents of "tradesmen" canvasing members of the public.

According to the Gardaí, these men offer illegitimate home repair services, lawn and landscaping services.

The Gardaí outlined that there are a number of people who are travelling around east Co. Clare and north Co. Tipperary with the "sole aim" of trying to defraud members of the public, by offering services such as building work, repairs, and gardening / landscaping.

Gardaí in Co. Clare have offered advice on how to keep safe and vigilant regarding bogus traders and cold callers.

Firstly, if a person receives a cold call by someone offering services, and the person is unsure of the cold callers legitimacy, the person should contact the local Garda station immediately.

Gardaí are also advising, that if a person does wish to avail of services that are offered, the person should ask for a brochure or documentation, in order to carry out checks and verify the traders credibility.

This check should include a contact number, and a VAT registered number.

If the person is satisfied that the company or individual is credible and wants to make a purchase, the person should ask for an itemised written quotation for the exact goods/services being offered.

Gardaí are advising that the public always seek comparable estimates for services, and never engage a person who insists on a cash payment, as it is untraceable.

Finally, Gardaí have indicated that a genuine trade person will not be offended by any queries that a member of the public, or a member of An Garda Síochána may make.

In the post on social media, Gardaí advised that if a person knows someone who has paid for work that was not carried out, or was substandard, to report it to the nearest Garda station.