A warning text has been sent around to residents in south Dublin over a scam gang who are using an "easy method" to con people out of thousands.
They are said to be a group of up to four/five people who are going around in a van with ladders on the roof of it, preying on and lying to potential victims.
They tell their targets that they need maintenance work done on their house - be it roofing or gardening needs.
They are understood to be targeting the elderly in particular who are more willing to part with money upfront as opposed to when the job is done.
One of the residents in the area is understood to have paid the conmen over €100 before work commenced but they soon took off after money changed hands.
The community text alert read: "I just wanted to make people aware that there is a group of scammers going around in a van with ladders on the roof of it.
"They are knocking on doors telling people they need work done.
"Do not entertain them, they scammed a man in the area out of a lot of money today.
"Worth keep an eye out for them and advice neighbours who live alone."
A spokesman for the Gardai advised people to do the following before handing over money to a charity or anyone else.
"No genuine business or charity will mind you carrying out your own enquiries or calling An Garda Síochána.
"If a person calls to your door offering you professional trade services, selling goods or collecting for a charity and you are worried they are not bona fide, tell the caller that you never deal with people who ‘cold call’ to your door.
"Ask for a brochure or documentation so you can carry out checks and verify their credibility.
"We always want to hear if there are people in the area who may be offering goods or services that are not genuine so don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call us."
