Warning of cold-call ‘con artists’ offering to clean gutters

A CORK city councillor has urged caution over what he described as “con artists” cleaning out house gutters for “outlandish sums of money”.

Independent councillor Mick Finn said he recently posted on social media about three men “cold calling” to homes, asking people if they wanted their gutters cleaned, but then asking for huge sums of money.

“I know one woman parted with €450 and another €300 to have gutters cleaned by hand by three fellas with high-viz vests… some of these people were vulnerable and just agreed, before being faced with an ask for big money.

“I would urge people to close their doors and refuse the offer of work, and report to gardaí if they have handed over large sums of money,” Mr Finn said.

“When I posted on social media, it seemed the scammers were well known, as many [people] posted that they had been in different areas of the city or were ‘back in the area’ since last year.

“The only way this can be dealt with is by people refusing to engage and instead use reputable builders or handymen to carry out any necessary works in their homes,” he said.

“One person contacted me to say the men were very pushy and using fake information to try and get her to hand over money.”

The former lord mayor said he reported the issue to gardaí but suggested that community or neighbourhood watches would be the best defence against such rogue operators.

“My advice is to say no on the spot and call it in to gardaí if you think these people are operating in your area.

“Vigilance and information sharing is key.

“I also hope that gardaí can catch them in the act and prevent others from being scammed,” he added.

Previously, gardaí have advised the public regarding tradespeople cold-calling to properties, that people should never employ someone in this manner outright, but first ask for a sales brochure or other documentation to help verify that the caller is credible.

This documentation should contain a contact number, known address, and a Vat registration number.

People are advised to be particularly careful where sales documentation only displays mobile contact numbers or incomplete addresses.

“If you are satisfied that the company or individual is credible and you still think their employment is necessary, ask for an itemised written quotation for the services being offered and the names of persons and locations where they have previously worked successfully.

“Never solely rely on the accuracy of the information being proffered. Verify the information yourself,” An Garda Síochána advised.

People have also been encouraged to always seek comparable estimates from other established reputable companies for any services offered, and advised never to engage a person who insists on cash payment for services offered, because payment should be traceable.

Additionally, people are advised to never leave strangers, even bona fide workers, unsupervised in their homes.