Conman posing as ‘detective’ preys on elderly people in three Irish counties

Gardaí have raised concerns about a conman preying on elderly people in quiet rural areas.

According to The Mirror, a number of cases have been reported in Co. Mayo and Co. Cork and it's also believed a report in Co. Galway may be linked. Two homes were targeted in Mayo during the last fortnight, a man in his 70s and a separate incident involving a woman in her 70s. Garda Inspector Gary Walsh of Castlebar Garda Station said that a man posing as a detective is targeting the elderly, pretending that there's a scam involving €50 notes. Inspector Walsh said:

“The man is calling to the door of elderly people, in particular, as a detective or a detective sergeant and he’s saying there’s been a robbery in the area and €50 notes have been taken. He then asks, ‘Do you have any €50s that I can check".

An public appeal has been issued asking people to remain vigilant and to avoid keeping large sums of money at home. The conman has been described as between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10 ins in height and of medium build. He has dark hair and is believed to be aged 40 or thereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlebar Garda Station on (094) 903 8200 or The Garda Confidential Telephone Line on 1800 666 111.