For related problems in the US
A large clan got busted in 2002
http://www.rickross.com/reference/irish_travelers/irish_travelers10.html
WHile in South Carolina, watch your wallet - seems to be one of the bigger home bases for the clans
http://www.fraudtech.bizland.com/travelers.htm
Even the Wiki carrys ddata on the 7000 known Pavee here in the US.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Traveller
My folks got ripped off by these cons, they do prey on older folks.
The ones in AZ prey less now -- as some older folks have children that are cops.
Essential and highly informative articles, all...thanks very much for posting.
I'm terribly sorry to hear of the harm done to your family at the hands of these scammers....hopefully it did not cause insurmountable damage, although being preyed upon in such a way leaves scars of violation that oftentimes never heal.