Gardai Warn Of Scam Targeting The Elderly After Pensioner Duped Out Of €2,500

Gardai have issued a warning for people to be ultra vigilant after an elderly man was scammed out of his savings in Kilkenny.

Kilkenny People reports that the pensioner, who lives in a rural location in South Kilklenny, was targeted by a group of criminals who were passing through the area.

The group called to his home and began cutting hedges at his property, and then demanded €2,5000 for the work which is estimated to only really cost €120.

The man was nervous and afraid, and told the gang he didn't have the money, but they then forced him to go to his local bank and they accompanied him to wait while he withdrew the money.

Superintendent Derek Hughes of Thomastown Garda Station said "we are appealing to people living in isolated areas to be vigilant for this type of criminal activity, which happens from time to time, where travelling criminals prey on vulnerable members of our community.

"We are also appealing to people working in financial institutions to be cautious and to enquire why people are withdrawing large amounts of money if this is unusual for the customer or the customer appears nervous or distressed."

It is understood that the incident is being treated as theft by deception, and two suspects have been arrested.