[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]People in Killester have been warned about a potential new scam in the area that appears to be targeting older people.
According to a post in the Killester Residents Forum on Facebook, fraudulent UPS dockets are being placed through people’s letterboxes with a handwritten notice saying a parcel has been left in their bin.
However, when residents go to check their bin for the parcel, there is nothing inside.
It is believed that the dockets are being used as a means to see if someone is home whilst thieves watch the house, so that they may sneak in to steal from the home when someone goes out to check their bin.
In the group, a woman posted that her close friend’s mum received the docket, and that the thieves are picking on older people who would be more vulnerable.
The post on Facebook has been shared more than 1,000 times, with people encouraging others to be vigilant of the scam in the coming weeks as people order Christmas gifts online to be delivered.
Cllr Deirdre Heney (FF) said people should “not be made feel uncomfortable as they go about their daily lives” when it comes to such scams.
Speaking to Dublin Gazette, Cllr Heney said: “I have come across situations where householders, particularly senior citizens, are targeted in a negative way by either people trying to gain entry into the home of a vulnerable person, or by intimidating the vulnerable person into agreeing to engage the services of a fraudster presenting at a person’s home.
“The current scam of a fraudster using a UPS docket to encourage a householder to come out of their home to check the bin for a package is simply awful.
“People need to be allowed to enjoy the safety of their own homes and not be made feel uncomfortable or nervous as they go about their daily lives.
“I urge members of the public to be vigilant in terms of who they open their door to or who they allow into their homes,” she said.
Cllr Heney added: “All of us in society need to do whatever we can to ensure vulnerable members of our communities are protected.”
An Garda Siochana have been notified about the scam, and have warned for people to be aware of such incidents ahead of the Christmas season.
They have advised that there are a number of tips available at garda.ie for people looking to secure their homes this Winter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
