Elderly in Athlone targeted by 'scam merchants'

Gardaí in Athlone are investigating incidents where elderly people were targeted by scam merchants.

Sergeant Andrew Haran of Athlone Garda Station said the criminals generally targeted older persons who were living alone and were suspected of having money.

The criminals travel to the elderly person’s home and befriend the person, sometimes over a long period of time.

Having befriended the person, and gained their trust, the criminals seek financial help from the elderly person, generally on a 'loan’ basis.

In one recent incident in Athlone, the criminal told a story about a lorry being seized by customs and then pleaded with the elder person to give him funds to get the lorry released. The elderly person gave over money on several occasions.

This was not an isolated incident, and Gardai are seeking to highlight these cases so people can assist in preventing such crimes.

The Gardaí are asking people to report any unsolicited visits to elderly and vulnerable persons and also to highlight the crimes to families with elderly persons living alone.

They are also liaising with the financial institutions in relation to suspicious withdrawals made in circumstances that might give rise to concerns that it is not for a normal transaction.