Rogue builders "preying on the elderly in Athlone" claim

European Parliament candidate Paschal Mooney, has appealed to families of elderly relatives to protect them from rogue builders who he said were targeting the most vulnerable with 'a lucrative money-making scam.' The Fianna Fáil candidate stated last week that Gardai in Athlone had been contacted about the scam and were investigating it. He said he was contacted by a number of people in the midlands and west who have been ripped off by a unscrupulous builders who are preying on older estates and using fear tactics to gain employment in general maintenance work. 'These rogue merchants are leaving a trail of destruction everywhere they go - not to mention putting a financial and emotional strain on the victim and their families,' said Mr Mooney. 'They are calling to houses in established estates and offering pipe clearance, roof maintenance and guttering services. They use fear tactics by implying that emergency work is needed and insist on being paid either in cash or by cheque made out to cash. 'A similar case has happened in the Midlands, where a pensioner paid €600 in a cheque paid to cash to replace a pipe. The person was shown photos of the alleged poor condition of the roof by the gang who preyed on vulnerability. Their invoice also stated they replaced felt and provided guttering services. 'What they actually did will cost thousands to fix. The tab for repairs by a respectable contractor has to be picked up privately by the person affected,' said the former Senator from Drumshanbo. 'It is causing heartache for families. I am urging the elderly to only use reputable contractors for work needed and to think twice about people who call to their house offering their services. 'Always get a quote in advance and contact a family member before you go ahead with any maintenance work. The Gardai have been contacted and are investigating the matter,' he said. Sgt John Lawless of Athlone Garda Station said the gardai were investigating one incident in the area.