An elderly woman in Co Cork was pressurised into buying chainsaws, generators and other tools by "cold callers" to her home.
Gardaí say the woman, who lives alone, bought 12 chainsaws, 11 generators, seven power washers and assorted tools "which she had no use for and did not want".
In the incident, which gardaí said occurred recently, the woman handed over a substantial amount of money in a number of cheques, most of which were fortunately cancelled before they were cashed.
Crime Prevention Officer at Anglesea Street Garda Station Sergeant Tony Davis said it was a "heinous crime" against a vulnerable person.
Sgt Davis urged people with elderly relatives or neighbours who may have had bogus callers to their homes to alert gardaí.
"If you suspect that anyone who calls to your door selling goods or services is not who they say they are, tell them you are not interested and call the gardaí immediately," he added.
Sgt Davis advised people that if they do answer their door to "cold callers", to use a door chain or limiter to prevent them forcing their way inside.
He appealed to anyone who feels they may have been a victim of being sold goods for extortionate prices, or paid for a service that was not carried out to call any garda station and report it.
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