Bogus Tradesmen on the Rise: Gardaí Warn Public as Reports Surge Across Ireland

Spring is prime time for bogus tradesmen, and Gardaí are urging householders across Cork and Ireland to be on their guard as reports of this type of fraud continue to climb sharply.

Garda provisional crime statistics published on 23 February 2026 show bogus tradesman reports increased significantly in 2025 compared to the previous year, with the first half of 2025 alone seeing a 57% rise on the same period in 2024. The figures form part of a broader national trend, with overall fraud offences up 137% and deception offences up 273% on the year before.

The problem is not new, but it is getting worse. Reports were already up 15% back in 2022, and the upward trajectory has accelerated since.

A fresh warning from Limerick

Gardaí received a report on 11 March of suspected bogus tradesmen operating in the Lansdowne Park area on the Ennis Road in Limerick, calling door to door offering gardening services.

Sergeant Michelle O'Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street Garda Station, warned that "this type of activity can be used as a distraction for criminal purposes or to overcharge for poor or unnecessary work."

She highlighted that spring is a particular risk period, as homeowners look to get outdoor work done after winter.

Cork is not immune

In a previous incident investigated by Gardaí in Bantry, Co. Cork, suspects cold-called to an older person's home and pressured them into paying an extortionate price for 12 chainsaws, 11 generators, 7 power washers, and assorted tools the person had no use for and did not want. The victim, who lives alone, handed over a substantial sum in cheques, though most were cancelled before being cashed.

Sergeant Tony Davis, Crime Prevention Officer at Anglesea Street Garda Station, described it as a "heinous crime"targeting the most vulnerable members of the community.

How they operate

Bogus tradesmen typically target older or vulnerable people living alone, often identified through surveillance or discreet local enquiries. Common pretexts include tree cutting, roof repairs, driveway power washing, landscaping, painting, gutter cleaning, and tarmac for sale.

In some cases, one person keeps the resident talking at the front door while an accomplice enters the home through another access point to steal cash or valuables. Others carry out little or no work before demanding large cash payments, sometimes using intimidating tactics or even driving the victim to a bank to withdraw funds.

Gardaí have also warned of gangs returning to the same victim at a later date, posing as VAT or Revenue officials and demanding further payments for the earlier "work." Deposit scams, where money is taken upfront for materials and the tradesperson never returns, are another common tactic.

In some incidents, individuals have impersonated Gardaí, claiming they need to check cash or home security. Gardaí stress that members of An Garda Síochána will never cold-call to a house to check cash or assess security.

How to protect yourself

Gardaí advise the public to follow these steps:

Never employ tradespeople who cold-call to your door. Ask for a brochure, contact number, and VAT number, then verify them independently before agreeing to any work.

Never agree to cash-only payments, as they are untraceable. Always seek comparable estimates from established, reputable companies.

Never leave strangers unsupervised in your home, even if they appear to be carrying out legitimate work.

Ask your local Garda station about "bogus caller cards." The advice is to apply the door chain or limiter and hand the card to the caller without entering into conversation. Genuine callers will leave their details on the card.

If you suspect bogus traders are in your area, tell them you are not interested and contact Gardaí immediately. Note descriptions of individuals, their clothing, any distinguishing features, and vehicle details including colour, make, and registration, but never put yourself at risk.

Anyone who installs alarms or CCTV systems is required to hold a licence from the Private Security Authority. A list of licensed operators is available at psa.gov.ie.

If you have been a victim

Gardaí urge anyone who has fallen victim to this type of crime not to feel embarrassed or ashamed. Contact your local Garda station immediately and write down everything you can remember, including descriptions of the people involved, their clothing, any distinguishing features, and details of any vehicles used. Keep safely any documents they may have given you.

If you have information about bogus tradesmen operating in your area, you can also contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Further crime prevention advice is available at garda.ie.

Be a good neighbour: if you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours, let them know about these scams. If you see suspicious activity or unfamiliar tradespeople working at a vulnerable person's home, do not hesitate to contact Gardaí. Genuine tradespeople will not be offended by any enquiries.

Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.