The Dealer reported last week on how approximately 15 farmers in Offaly and Tipperary had been targeted by a group of “rogue tradesmen”. In some cases, the scam artists have carried out work for people without their permission, before demanding payments of between €2,500 and €7,000. When a couple refused to pay, some of the tradesmen threatened to burn down their house.

In the last week, I have gotten reports of the men, believed to be from Limerick and Northern Ireland, operating in Portumna, Co Galway.

One line they use is that they’re working with the local Council and have a small bit of tarmac and stones left over. The Dealer has spoken first hand with people who have been threatened by these and similar scammers. They can be very intimidating so the advice is if they show up, refuse them entry and call the gardaí. We have pictures of at least one of the groups to help identify the men.