Limerick woman falls victim to €5k tarmac scam

A LIMERICK woman has been conned out of almost €5,000 by a rogue tradesman posing as a council worker.

Gardai have launched an investigation into the incident with the culprit described as “absolutely appalling” by a councillor.

Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey, who chairs the Joint Policing Committee, says he has received calls from people across the west of the county reporting “fraudsters” posing as local authority workers offering services at a reduced rate.

“The story they spin is they are working for Limerick City and County Council and that there is a burst water main, with the existing tarmac likely to crater. They would then re-tarmac somebody’s land,” he explained.

A council spokesperson has described the news as “concerning”, and pointed out that their own staff and sub-contractors have official identification badges.

“These badges contain the employee’s/contractor’s name, photograph and the Limerick City and County Council logo. We emphasise that any individual claiming to represent the council should be able to provide valid identification upon request and we would urge the public to always ask to see valid identification,” they said.

It was a warning reflected by a garda spokesperson, who added if people become aware of bogus tradesmen operating in the area, they should alert elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

Sadly, one woman Cllr Teskey knows lost out on close to €5,000 after she agreed to have work done.

He said the invoice the trader issued was “completely bogus”, with a false name, address and VAT number.

“The (tarmac) work was far from being up to scratch - it was amateurish,” he added.

Cllr Teskey claimed that when the woman - who we are not identifying - questioned the payment, “intimidating measures” were used to get the money.

“These lads are not professionals. Anyone who wants to avail of services of tarmac laying should go to a reputable company,” the Adare-Rathkeale councillor said.

He also criticised those who try and con people out of money in this way.

“We are living through an immense cost-of-living crisis. Households are budgeting to the nearest cent, and we have people struggling to live. When people are taking advantage, taking people for granted and trying to profit from amateur work, it’s absolutely appalling,” said Cllr Teskey.

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He also warned against letting any rogue trader into your home, saying they could take the opportunity to gather intelligence for future exploits in an area.

“Be extremely cautious,” he warned.

A council spokesperson said they will be working with gardai to ensure the matter is investigated thoroughly.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and maintain the integrity of our services,” they added.

People who feel they have been targeted are being asked to contact An Garda Siochana immediately.

Gardai have said incidents and concerns can be reported to Newcastle West garda station at 069-20650.