FINE Gael councillor Adam Teskey has warned that scammers posing as workers operating on behalf of Limerick City and County Council are preying on elderly people in the county.
The Adare-Rathkeale representative warned that a band of swindlers posing as council workers are knocking on doors and offering to lay tarmacadam at reduced rates in County Limerick, adding that those involved should “hang their heads in shame”.
Cllr Teskey told the Limerick Post that he has heard reports that the work is extremely substandard, with the price in some cases increasing dramatically from the one agreed.
“I would encourage members of the public at all times to request the appropriate identification. All individuals who work on behalf or who are subcontractors of the council are required to carry such identification,” Cllr Teskey advised.
“These individuals, who are scamming the public in the midst of a cost of living crisis, should hang their heads in shame.
“These people do not have any morals or principles and need to be brought to justice by the appropriate authorities,” Cllr Teskey hit out.
Cllr Teskey, who is Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Adare-Rathkeale, urged people across County Limerick not to engage with the scammers and at all times request the necessary identification for anyone presenting at their home purporting to be a council worker.
“It’s extremely risky to instruct or entertain such activity as it also could impose a significant risk with regards to one’s insurance through public liability,” he went on to say, adding that “it also asks the question as to who would be responsible for or held liable in the case of an accident occurring?”
The concerned councillor urged anyone who comes into contact with the scammer group to make immediate contact with Gardaí.
A spokesman for Limerick City and County Council told the Limerick Post that it takes reports of fraudulent activity very seriously, especially when it involves individuals impersonating council employees.
“It is important to clarify that all legitimate Limerick council employees or nominated sub-contractors are equipped with official identification badges, which they are required to display prominently while carrying out their duties,” the spokesman said.
The spokesman explained that council “identification badges contain the employee’s/contractors 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.”
Regarding concerning reports about scammers purporting to be council employees and laying tarmacadam in the Rathkeale area, the council said that it will work with Gardaí to ensure this matter is investigated thoroughly.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents and to maintain the integrity of our services,” the local authority spokesman said.
“We encourage residents who encounter suspicious activity or believe they have been targeted by fraudulent individuals claiming to be council employees to contact An Garda Síochána immediately.
“Your cooperation and vigilance are crucial in helping us address such issues effectively. Limerick City and County Council remains committed to upholding the trust and confidence of the communities we serve,” the spokesman concluded.
