Gardaí in Waterford are warning the public about scam phone calls involving people falsely claiming to be members of An Garda Síochána.

The warning was issued by Garda Gráinne O’Shea from Waterford Garda Station during this week’s Garda Watch on WLR.

She said people have reported receiving calls from individuals claiming to be Gardaí and telling them that they have outstanding fines to pay.

The callers then attempt to obtain personal or banking information.

Garda O’Shea stressed that Gardaí will not contact people in this way seeking payment or ask them to provide their banking details over the phone.

‘People are getting phone calls that say, oh, we’re from An Garda Síochána and that there’s fines to be paid.’

She added that anyone receiving such a call should be aware that ‘the Gardaí do not ring and they don’t ask you for any information, any of your bank details or anything.’

Warning Over Bogus Callers

Gardaí are also urging people in Waterford to be cautious when dealing with unexpected callers arriving at their homes.

Garda O’Shea said bogus callers can present themselves as legitimate tradespeople and offer services such as cleaning gutters, cutting hedges or carrying out repairs.

People are being advised to ask anyone calling to their home for identification or documentation and not to allow somebody inside if they are unsure who they are.

‘I would be asking for documentation. So ask for a business card, ask for some sort of ID.’

She added that the safest approach is straightforward: ‘if you don’t know the person at the door, you shouldn’t let them in.’

The advice comes as Gardaí continue to encourage people to remain vigilant around attempts to obtain personal or financial information.