Warning over bogus callers posing as state officials

GARDAÍ in south Kerry have advised people to beware of bogus callers to their homes pretending to represent the health services and other state agencies.

They are also appealing for assistance with their investigations into the larceny of a substantial sum of money from an elderly man in the Sneem area. At least two people were involved in the crime.

It is understood that a person who called to the man’s house had some queries relating to his medical card and posed as a HSE official. After giving the man a lift into Sneem village, it is believed they returned to his house and made off with the money.

Gardaí in Caherciveen said a silver-coloured vehicle, believed to have been used by the culprits, was seen parked on the roadside close to the man’s home.

Neighbours said the victim was very shocked and traumatised following his experience.

“He is trusting and honest and expects the same of other people,” said one neighbour.

Tadhg McCarthy, chairman of Sneem Community Alert, said criminals were taking advantage of the fact that many officials from Government departments were calling to people’s houses nowadays.

“Criminals are taking advantage and rather than coming in the middle of the night, as was once the case, they’re now coming in the middle of the day,” Mr McCarthy remarked.

He suggested that instead of calling to people’s homes, officials from Government departments should make appointments to meet them, or could tell the gardaí in an area they would be working that area on a certain day.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Caherciveen Garda Station on 066- 9472111.

People have also been advised to ask for proof of identification if they are in doubt about people calling to their homes.