Garda alert: Roof scam in Athlone

Gardai have appealed to the public to be vigilant in relation to tradesmen calling door-to-door after an elderly woman was scammed out of €600 for roof repairs that never happened.

The incident happened at a small housing estate on the eastside of Athlone last week. Sgt Andrew Haran said the man called to the door of the houseowner offering to do roof repairs to the dwelling and the householder agreed to go ahead with the work and paid him €600.
However, the work was never completed as agreed and the man has not been contactable since. Sgt Haran appealed to the the public be mindful of people calling door-to-door offering to do work and verify any tradesmen before engaging them to do any repairs.
'If you have any doubts please call Gardai and never pay any money in advance,' Sgt Haran advised on foot of the scam. Anyone who has encountered suspicious approaches or people calling to the door offering to do work is asked to call Athlone Garda Station 09064 98550 in confidence.