Gardaí in Co. Laois and Co. Offaly have issued a warning over scams involving bogus callers and rogue traders, who pressure homeowners into unnecessary, overpriced, or substandard work.

According to An Garda Síochána, these individuals are targeting older or isolated people in particular, and will offer to do everything from tarmac jobs to gardening, power washing, gutter cleaning, and painting.

There are a number of red flags with tradespeople offering services that people can look out for.

The first red flag, is if a cold caller is offering to carry out the service on the spot and is using claims of "working nearby" or offering a "special deal" to the homeowner.

Another red flag is if the tradesperson has no formal identification or paperwork, uses high-pressure sales tactics, and asks for cash payment.

Gardaí have said that scammers may even mention that they have been working with neighbours, or mention names of people in the local community.

Gardaí are advising people to be extra vigilant towards elderly or vulnerable neighbours, and to check in and encourage them to report suspicious callers.

Homeowners should not let a stranger dictate what work is done in their home. They should decide what work needs doing in their home, and should seek out reputable, insured tradespeople, ideally through local recommendation.

It is also important that a homeowner should never agree to have any work done from a cold caller on the doorstep, and to always request multiple written quotes before undertaking a project.

If a tradesperson calls to the home unannounced, homeowners should use door chains and always seek to verify the person's identity.

Finally, all suspicious activity should immediately be reported to An Garda Síochána. All timely information may help the gardaí to prevent other homeowners from being targeted by scams.