Gardai have issued a warning over bogus callers targeting people by offering to carry out odd jobs at their homes.
Members of the force from the Laois and Offaly region issued the alert specifically related to fraudsters wearing hi-vis jackets.
They questioned when hi-vis jackets became "invisibility cloaks" when it comes to criminal behaviour.
Gardai warned homeowners, as well as business owners, about strangers offering to carry out trades or services.
They said it "seldom works out well" when these people are hired on the basis of the price seeming competitive.
Just because someone is wearing a hi-vis jacket, it doesn't mean they are legitimate tradespeople or are genuine, gardai added.
They said: "When did the Hi Viz Jacket become the invisibility cloak?
"We see bogus callers call to people in Communities offering trades and services with very little known about them.
"This isn't just vulnerable people. Some professionals and businesses engage too because the price seems right. It seldom works out well.
"Please remember a Hi Viz Jacket is for safety it doesn't confer authority or legitimacy on a person.
"Always check credentials and say no thanks if in doubt. Report concerns too."
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