Gardai have issued a warning to the public after man was seen acting suspiciously around a Midlands town in a car.
Officers attached to a unit in Offaly made the declaration on social media over the weekend after a number of reports were made to them.
A spokesperson explained: "Reports of male in 50s travelling around #Fahy, #Rhode area in a car yesterday approaching people saying he believed that had counterfeit notes or dropped money. Please report any incidents and do not engage."
The spokesperson also added a new warning to people to be even more aware of a local scam artist trying to gain access to houses, particularly those who live alone or are elderly.
It said: "A timely reminder for those with family members that may be susceptible to bogus callers and rogue traders calling to their homes.
"They will be offering services such as powerwashing, painting, selling goods etc. We have one in particular that returns to people previously visited. They prefer to target the more vulnerable and persons living alone.
"We advise and encourage people not to engage with such callers. Don't open your door to anyone before you have checked who it is and what they want and they are known to you.
"They can be intimidating and refuse to take no for an answer. We ask you to be vigilant when out and about and report suspicious persons/vehicles to us immediately. Please pass this advice on to those in our community that may not follow our page."
